The all-electric double-decker buses delivered to Manchester in two instalments since June 2023 are now all in daily use. They operate on various routes on the so-called ‘Bee Network’, which is an integrated transport service that includes bus and light rail lines, as well as cycle routes and, in future (expected from 2028), the suburban rail services in Greater Manchester.
The delivery from British manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) comprises a total of 100 double-decker Enviro 400 EV buses. They are 10.8 metres long and offer seating for 62 passengers. The battery capacity is 382 kWh.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s procurement plan envisages the purchase of a further 250 electric buses by 2027, which, like the 100 vehicles already delivered, have been co-financed by central government as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement programme.
Stagecoach plans to put a further 170 electric buses into service over the same period. Stagecoach operates various routes in the transport area. ADL and BYD had already jointly delivered 32 double-deckers, also of the Enviro 400 EV type, to Manchester in 2021/22.
