Transport for Greater Manchester’s ‘Bee Network’ has reached a key milestone in its electrification journey, with the fleet now containing over 500 electric buses. The network’s EV growth over just the last few years has been significant, and it’s not the only part of the UK to see rapid electric bus adoption.
The Bee Network hits 500 electric buses – up from 35 just three years ago
It was only three years ago that the Bee Network entered public ownership, and at the time the fleet had just 35 electric buses in operation – that number now stands at over 500, with the 500th zero-emission unit being delivered by UK manufacturer Wrightbus. The significant expansion now means that 99 routes within the Bee Network are run exclusively with zero-emission buses, helping to clean up air quality in their area and give smoother journeys to drivers and passengers alike.
Expansion doesn’t stop here, with more Bee Network depots continuing to be electrified to support charging of EVs. Recent depot work means another 163 electric buses are set to join the network imminently, putting the fleet on track to be fully-electric by 2030.
By realising a fully-electric bus fleet in 2030, the Bee Network is set to prevent cut annual CO2 emissions by 76,000 tonnes, while nitrogen oxide output, a key detractor to local air quality, will be reduced by 280 tonnes per year.
Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, commented:
“It’s great to see the depot in Oldham join the growing list of bus depots in Greater Manchester to be electrified. This means even more zero emissions buses can join the Bee Network and keep us on track to have a fully electric fleet by the end of the decade.
This electrification work is a crucial part of our investment-led approach to improving air quality which is working. By taking old buses off our streets and keeping fares on the Bee Network affordable, we’re improving the experience of getting on board the bus for communities right across the city region.”
The impressive progress is being matched elsewhere in the UK, with the country remaining Europe’s largest electric bus market. Back in the summer, London passed a milestone of 3,000 electric buses, and Transport for London has not purchased a new diesel bus since 2021.
