Rotala has made its first new vehicle order with Alexander Dennis for its Diamond North West subsidiary
Alexander Dennis has taken orders from new customer Rotala for 67 Enviro200MMC single deck buses for contracted services in Manchester following the operator’s contract wins in the second phase of Transport for Greater Manchester’s new Bee Network franchise awards, which will launch in stages from September 2023 onwards. The new buses will be delivered to Rotala company Diamond North West in early 2024. The order will include three vehicle lengths of 9.7m, 10.8m and 11.8m, all fitted with Alexander Dennis’ SmartPack efficiency technology to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
To be delivered in TfGM’s new yellow Bee Network livery, the new buses will reflect its template for bus services including improved provision of two wheelchair spaces per bus, as well as a comprehensive passenger information system. Rotala Chief Executive Simon Dunn said: “Following the award of franchises by Transport for Greater Manchester, Alexander Dennis offered us the right combination of versatile vehicles and production capabilities for these 67 single deck buses. Their entry into service early next year will give us a state-of-the-art low-emission fleet for our Diamond North West operations.”
Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager Lee Salt added: “We’re delighted to have been able to meet Rotala’s requirements to win this significant deal with a new customer. These new low-emission buses will give Rotala a solid foundation to deliver high-quality services in Greater Manchester’s new Bee Network, underpinned by first-class, whole-vehicle aftermarket support from our AD24 division.”
