Alexander Dennis officially handed over the new buses on 27th February at the Diamond Bus depot in Eccles in the presence of Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

60 of the low-emission buses provide continued investment into services franchised in the first phase of the Bee Network, which Rotala has been operating in Bolton and Wigan, as well of parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester since September 2023. These are split between 35 built to a length of 11.8m metres, and 25 shorter 9.7m vehicles.

Seven 10.8m Enviro200 will follow for Rotala’s services in the second phase of the Bee Network, which starts on 24 March in Oldham, Rochdale, and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester.

All the buses are built to Transport for Greater Manchester’s standard Bee Network design, combining a bright yellow colour scheme with a spacious interior which has room for two wheelchair users and provides real-time audiovisual passenger information.

Transport Commissioner, Vernon Everitt – who visited Diamond’s depot in Eccles to mark the buses’ arrival, alongside representatives from Diamond and manufacturer Alexander Dennis – said: “Building the Bee Network is about delivering benefits to bus passengers across Greater Manchester. Key to that is the provision of these modern, accessible and environmentally friendly buses on routes providing vital access to public services and leisure facilities for local communities in Bolton and Wigan. And all of them have been built in the UK. It’s great to see them about to take to the road.”

Rotala Chief Executive, Simon Dunn, said: “Following the award of franchises by Transport for Greater Manchester, Alexander Dennis offered us the right combination of versatile vehicles and production capabilities for these 67 single deck buses. Their entry into service this year has given us a state-of-the-art low-emission fleet for our Diamond North West operations.”

Alexander Dennis Sales Manager, Simon Wood, handed over the buses and said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rotala as a customer for our environmentally clean buses and to support their provision of Bee Network services. Rotala’s choice of our Enviro200 has ensured that investment in better bus services for Greater Manchester also benefits communities across the UK where the buses have been built. Our comprehensive AD24 aftermarket offering gives TfGM and Rotala the peace of mind that these buses will be fully supported throughout long and profitable operating lives.”

Alexander Dennis is a major supplier to Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network. Including the 67 Enviro200 for Rotala, a total of 450 low and zero emission Alexander Dennis buses have been delivered or ordered to date by the transport authority and its franchised operators.