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.