Bee Network accelerates electrification: 65m for 220 new e-buses and progress on tram-train plan in Manchester's future - Sustainable Bus

"Greater Manchester has approved £65 million to accelerate the transition of its public transport system toward zero emissions. As outlined in a press release by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the package includes £59.1 million to add around 220 electric buses-equivalent to electrifying a further 13% of the fleet-and £5.7 million to advance tram-train development on the Oldham-Rochdale-Heywood-Bury corridor. The first of the new buses are expected to enter service by late 2026. This comes on top of the nearly 350 electric buses already in operation, representing around one in five of the city region's fleet-double the national average."

"Alongside the bus investment, the Bee Network Committee has approved £5.7 million to progress the Oldham-Rochdale-Heywood-Bury Tram-Train 'pathfinder' scheme. The project, which forms part of the wider Atom Valley initiative, aims to identify next-generation vehicles capable of running on both tram and rail infrastructure, increasing network capacity and connecting more communities directly to the Metrolink system."

"Additional funding was also earmarked for a new Travel Hub in Tyldsley, set to begin construction in the New Year. The facility will provide 99 parking spaces, including EV charging points and accessible parking near the Leigh Guided Busway, further integrating sustainable transport options across the city region. TfGM reports that replacing older diesel vehicles has already made journeys quieter and cleaner, while also boosting passenger numbers by 10% over the past year."

Greater Manchester allocated £65 million to speed a zero‑emission public transport transition, including £59.1 million for roughly 220 electric buses and £5.7 million for tram‑train development. The new buses are expected to enter service by late 2026, adding to nearly 350 electric buses already operating, which represents about one in five of the fleet. The Bee Network Committee funded a Tram‑Train 'pathfinder' as part of the Atom Valley initiative to test vehicles that can run on tram and rail lines. Additional investment will create a Tyldsley Travel Hub with 99 parking spaces and EV chargers, and previous measures have reduced noise, cut emissions, and increased passenger numbers by 10%.

Read at Sustainable Bus