Bee Network Vantage BRT corridor to get StreetDeck Electroliners
Bee Network routes that use the Leigh Guided Busway will transition to battery-electric from May with a fleet of Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner double-decks, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed.
Those vehicles form part of a wider procurement of 78 battery-electrics for first tranche operations centred on Bolton depot that are delivered by Go North West. 20 are already in service. All 58 of the outstanding vehicles will be StreetDeck Electroliners, TfGM says.
TfGM says that 43 of those buses will have what it terms an “enhanced Bee Network specification for busway services” including coach-style seating with synthetic leather covering, tables in the upper saloon, and “premium tinted windows.” Guidewheels will be fitted to permit busway operation.
On the Vantage V1, V2 and V4 routes between Leigh and Atherton and central Manchester, they will displace a collection of Volvo B5LH diesel-electric hybrids dating from 2015 and 2016.
Delivery of the 58 buses is expected over a number of weeks between May and June. A phased conversion of the busway routes to zero-emission will thus be undertaken rather than waiting for all to be delivered.
On the charging strategy, TfGM says it has worked closely with Go North West and utilised route analysis tools. Route V1 operates 24/7 but the franchising body says that the primary focus remains on overnight battery replenishment.
“However, there is a minimal requirement for opportunity charging during the day, but with zero effect on the service,” a spokesperson adds.
The 78 additional battery-electrics for Go North West represent an investment of £46.4 million as part of a wider £51.1 million Clean Air Plan-funded scheme that also includes depot electrification work at multiple sites.
In 2025, TfGM noted how investment in bus priority along the Vantage corridor had seen patronage there more than double since before the current services were introduced. It has delivered reduced journey times and usage that is above pre-pandemic levels. Services along the common section run up to every 4min during the high peak.
Newcastle International Airport takes fourth Yutong airside bus
Newcastle International Airport has taken delivery of a fourth Yutong airside battery-electric bus in an ABe14 supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
Its arrival follows good performance from the previous three deliveries. The first of those went into service during 2021. The vehicles are contributing to the air travel hub reaching its 2035 net-zero carbon goals while also improving reliability and durability and reducing operating costs.
The latest purchase has 229kWh of battery capacity and can carry 110 passengers. It has eight seats and is accessible to wheelchair users. Three sets of twin-leaf doors are fitted to each side of the left-hand drive bus.
Pelican UK Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins notes that since the first Yutong battery-electric airside bus was supplied to Newcastle International Airport almost five years ago, there have been “virtually no warranty items for all vehicles so far.”
Mr Collins adds that the Yutong ABe14 has proven itself at airports globally and is highly regarded in that application. “It is a must-consider for all high-volume passenger movements airside,” he adds.
“We thank the team at Newcastle International Airport for the continued support. We know that this vehicle will deliver again and again.”
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Grayway Coaches welcomes another Mercedes-Benz Tourismo
Grayway Coaches of Ince-in-Makerfield has added another Mercedes-Benz Tourismo to its fleet, supplied by Daimler Buses UK.
The latest arrival is a tri-axle Tourismo M/3 model at 13m. It has been built to a bespoke specification and has 53 seats in Luxline upholstery along with a centre sunken toilet. Each position has a drop-down table and a footrest, while USB charging points are also provided.
In the cab is a heated driver’s seat with swivel functionality, along with a steering wheel trimmed in leather. Safety features include a rear-view camera along with Active Brake Assist 6, Traffic Sign Assist, and Sideguard Assist 2.
Power comes from the 10.7-litre OM 470 engine developing 422bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife six-speed automatic gearbox.
The vehicle is finished in Grayway Coaches’ distinctive livery and is set off with a cherished 75-plate registration mark and highly polished alloy wheels. It complements a visually identical Tourismo that was delivered to the Greater Manchester operator in the first half of 2025.
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