Greater Manchester Orders 125 More Electric Buses for Bee Network Expansion

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed a major new order for 125 electric buses as the Bee Network continues its transition towards a fully zero-emission fleet by 2030.

The latest investment will see more yellow electric buses built by UK manufacturer Wrightbus introduced across Greater Manchester’s network, further accelerating the region’s wider decarbonisation strategy for public transport.

Bee Network approaching electric fleet milestone

The announcement follows an earlier order this year for 55 electric double-decker vehicles, adding to a previous purchase of 76 buses from Wrightbus’ manufacturing facility in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

With the newest order included, TfGM said the Bee Network is expected to reach the halfway point towards full electrification later this year.

Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt described the programme as a major step towards cleaner and more sustainable transport across the city-region.

He said the transition to electric buses would deliver benefits not only for passengers, but also for air quality and economic growth.

Depots upgraded for electric operations

To support the expanding electric fleet, significant depot upgrades are already underway across Greater Manchester.

Half of the region’s bus depots have now been electrified, with Ashton and Middleton operating as fully electric sites. Infrastructure improvements have also been completed at Bolton, Oldham and Hyde Road depots.

TfGM estimates that replacing diesel buses with a fully electric fleet by 2030 could remove more than 76,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, alongside around 280 tonnes of nitrogen oxides (NOx).

The authority said this carbon reduction would be comparable to the energy use of more than 9,000 homes or the charging of billions of smartphones each year.

New buses assigned to key routes

Of the vehicles already delivered, 33 electric double-decker buses are being introduced onto routes 8 and 10, serving Bolton, Farnworth, Pendlebury and Salford, making those services fully electric.

Meanwhile, 43 specially adapted electric vehicles for the V1, V2 and V4 services are expected to begin operating along the Leigh Guided Busway shortly after completing inspections at Wrightbus’ Ballymena factory.

Additional operators join expansion

The newest order includes 25 buses allocated to Stagecoach, consisting of both single and double-deck electric vehicles.

The remaining 100 buses will be operated by Metroline from the Hyde Road depot, which is currently being upgraded to support additional on-site charging infrastructure.

Supporting UK manufacturing

TfGM also highlighted the role the Bee Network programme is playing in supporting UK bus manufacturing.

Alongside Wrightbus production in Northern Ireland, almost 500 buses built by Alexander Dennis at sites in Falkirk and Scarborough are already operating across Greater Manchester.

The continued investment forms part of the region’s long-term strategy to modernise public transport while reducing emissions and improving reliability for passengers.