The order for new ADL buses gives a first view of Manchester’s new Bee Network identity
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has ordered 50 zero-emission double deck buses from Alexander Dennis (ADL) for the first phase of its franchised Bee Network which will launch in September 2023. The electric buses are expected to be built at Alexander Dennis’ factory in Scarborough and are due to operate in Wigan and Bolton, where bus franchising will be rolled out on 17 September next year, ahead of other parts of Greater Manchester following in 2024 and 2025.
The new buses will be the first to bear the branding of the new Bee Network – the brand adopted for Greater Manchester’s ambition for a fully integrated, ‘London-style’ integrated transport system encompassing buses, trams, walking and cycling, and eventually trains. The black and yellow design was unveiled recently by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
The 50 buses will be funded from the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund, with around 300 more electric buses expected to be delivered between 2024 and 2027.
Alexander Dennis President and Managing Director Paul Davies said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Transport for Greater Manchester as supplier for the first tranche of zero-emission buses for the new Bee Network. We look forward to playing our part in transforming bus services in Wigan and Bolton with these iconic buses, which will be built in the North of England at our factory in Scarborough and supported locally from our AD24 aftermarket hub in Skelmersdale.
“Choosing Alexander Dennis shows Transport for Greater Manchester and the Mayor’s commitment to building buses locally in the United Kingdom, for which we are grateful. The new livery will inspire pride in Manchester’s Bee Network and the improvements it will deliver for the region.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham commented: “The countdown to bringing buses back under local control for the first time in 36 years is well and truly on. With the order placed for our first 50 new electric buses and strong interest from operators who want to run the first franchised services a year from now, the Bee Network is gathering real momentum.
“I am also delighted to unveil a sneak peek of what the Bee Network is going to look like. We’re building on Manchester’s symbolic bee and Metrolink colours – both of which are synonymous with our city-region – to deliver something modern and iconic that reflects the first-class transport network it will become.”
Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt said at an event to launch the new brand that there has been ‘huge interest’ from bus operators in TfGM’s franchising plans, with 33 bids placed for the 11 contracts currently available. Meanwhile, the Mayor said that people are already taking advantage of the lower fares launched at the start of September, and promised to publish data showing the impact they have had on bus usage next month.
