Featured Post

Happy Al's Welcomes Two New ADL Enviro400 Double-Deckers

By on
Image
Those familiar with the blog will know the author is proudly based in Birkenhead, so it's always a delight to see further investment in a local bus operator. Al’s Coaches – or Happy Al’s to many – has been a family-run fixture in the North West since 1972, earning its place as one of the region’s top bus and coach providers.
Post a Comment

50 Zero Emission Alexander Dennis Buses for Manchester Bee Network

By on
In preparation for the franchised Bee Network bus system's anticipated September 2023 debut, Transport for Greater Manchester has ordered 50 zero-emission double deck buses from Alexander Dennis.

Alexander Dennis

The electric buses will be produced in the United Kingdom at the Alexander Dennis facility in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and will begin service in Wigan and Bolton on 17th September 2023, with the rest of Greater Manchester following in 2024 and 2025.

The Alexander Dennis zero-emission buses will be the first to bear the branding of the new Bee Network – Greater Manchester’s ambitious goal for a fully integrated, London-style integrated transport system comprising of buses, trams, walking and cycling, and eventually trains. The distinctive black and yellow design was unveiled by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Alexander Dennis

The 50 new buses will be funded from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, with around 300 more electric buses set to be delivered from 2024 through to 2027.

Alexander Dennis President & 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, said:
“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.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

High-Speed Charging Technology Powers New Electric Buses on 358

By on
Image
London’s iconic red buses are going electric and the latest addition to the fleet is turning heads. From today, the Wednesday 20th of November, stylish, tram-like electric buses are running on the 358 route between Crystal Palace and Orpington. These futuristic vehicles aren’t just a step forward—they’re a leap into a cleaner, greener and safer future for the capital’s public transport. Transport for London What sets these buses apart isn’t just their sleek, modern design. They’re powered by pantograph technology, a charging system that’s being rolled out on a London bus route for the very first time. The word “pantograph” might sound a bit technical, but the idea is simple. Picture a robotic arm extending from the bus roof to connect with an overhead charger. In just six minutes, the bus is ready to roll again. This rapid charging happens at either end of the 15-mile route, cutting out the need for buses to head back to the depot. This system doesn’t just save time—it’s efficient. Few
More

Transdev’s Mercedes-Benz eCitaros Hit the Road in Harrogate

By on
Image
Transdev’s latest move is set to transform public transport in Yorkshire. The Harrogate Bus Company, one of Transdev’s key brands, has officially launched the first of 20 fully electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro single-deckers. These new buses are now in service on the busy route 1, connecting Harrogate and Knaresborough with buses running as frequently as every eight minutes.
More