Greater Manchester Now Has 500 Electric Buses
The Bee Network is a major project launched in Greater Manchester in 2023, designed to integrate various modes of transport—such as buses, trams, bicycles, and, in the near future, railways—into a unified system. Currently, the Bee Network operates 500 battery-electric buses, accounting for nearly 30% of its total fleet.
As a reminder, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) secured £59.1 million (approximately €67.3 million) in funding to acquire an additional 220 units, as previously announced. The expansion of the electric fleet is therefore progressing well. Consequently, bus depots are being electrified, with work already completed at the Hyde Road and Oldham facilities. Furthermore, new energy and charging infrastructure has been implemented at the Ashton, Bolton, and Middleton depots. Additionally, TfGM has reported the acquisition of another 160 electric buses, which are currently in transit to the metropolitan region.
"This puts Greater Manchester on a positive path toward having a fully electric fleet by 2030. This transition is estimated to reduce annual emissions by more than 76,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 280 tonnes of nitrogen oxides, supporting Greater Manchester’s investment-led approach to improving air quality," the operator notes. To illustrate, it is worth noting that just three years ago—before Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) began managing bus services under public control—there were only 35 electric buses in operation across Manchester and its surrounding areas.
According to TfGM, the 99 routes that make up the "Bee Network" now exclusively use electric buses. Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, stated: "This electrification initiative is a key part of our investment-led approach to improving air quality, and it is delivering results. By removing older buses from our streets and keeping Bee Network fares affordable, we are enhancing the bus travel experience for communities throughout the city-region."
The modernization of the remaining Bee Network bus depots is proceeding according to schedule: design work is already underway, and electrification measures are set to begin next year. As the energy demand for operating the Bee Network grows, TfGM has recently entered into a long-term clean energy agreement that will "provide renewable electricity at a fixed price, protecting against cost spikes."
