TfGM orders 125 further Wrightbus electrics for the Bee Network.

TfGM has ordered 125 battery-electric buses from Wrightbus for the franchised Bee Network, following the delivery of 76 vehicles and the planned supply of 55 more. The purchase combines the double-deck StreetDeck Electroliner (seen) and the single-deck GB Kite Electroliner.

These buses will follow 76 StreetDeck.

Electroliners are currently being delivered, and Wrightbus has 55 additional electric buses on hand. All continue to work towards the Bee Network’s goal of operating a totally zero-emission fleet by 2030.

100 buses from the most recent batch will be delivered to Manchester’s Hyde Road depot, located south-east of the city centre. It is run by Metroline Manchester and is being updated to accommodate the electric fleet. The remaining 25 are for Stagecoach. There will be nine StreetDeck Electroliners and sixteen GB Kite Electroliners.

Of the 76 StreetDeck Electroliner double-decks being delivered, 33 are in service with Go North West from Bolton depot, principally on routes 8 and 10 into Manchester city centre.

 

The remaining 43 are to a higher specification for V1, V2, and V4 services using the Leigh Guided Busway. TfGM claims the buses “have passed inspection at the Ballymena factory” and will begin service with Go North West in the coming weeks.

Speaking on the collaboration with Wrightbus, Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt adds: “It is fantastic to see these new yellow electric buses roll off the production line and onto the streets of Greater Manchester.” There will be plenty more to come.

“Placing these orders for another 125 zero-emission vehicles from Wrightbus puts the Bee Network on track to meet our target to have a fully electric fleet by 2030, bringing huge benefits for our passengers, air quality, and the fast-growing economy.”

Half of the Bee Network’s depots have been electrified thus far. Ashton-under-Lyne and Middleton are now completely zero-emission.

Wrightbus Managing Director Christian Reynolds praised the franchising authorities for the additional business.

“This latest order for our battery-electric buses from TfGM builds on our existing fleet of vehicles in operation and reflects a strong commitment to UK manufacturing and the domestic supply chain,” he states.”

It demonstrates the competitiveness of both our product and our integrated supply ecosystem against international alternatives.”

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