Bee Network: The Greater Manchester area now has 500 electric buses

The Greater Manchester area has reached the milestone of 500 electric buses. The 500th electric bus was delivered recently by manufacturer Wrightbus and is now in service on what’s known as the “Bee Network.” To date, there are 99 routes in this network that are fully operated by electric buses.

The “Bee Network” is a major project launched in 2023 in Greater Manchester aimed at integrating buses, trams, bicycles, and eventually railways into a connected system. Currently, 500 battery-electric buses are already in use on the Bee Network — accounting for nearly 30 percent of the total fleet.

We recall that for £59.1 million (approximately €67.3 million), the operator named Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) received funding at the end of 2025 to acquire another 220 units. Thus, the expansion of the electric fleet is ongoing steadily. Correspondingly, bus depots are also being electrified. “Work at the Hyde Road and Oldham sites has already been completed,” the operator states in a accompanying statement. Additionally, new energy and charging infrastructure has been installed at depots in Ashton, Bolton, and Middleton. Moreover, according to TfGM, another around 160 electric buses have been ordered and are set to arrive in the metropolitan area in the future.

The initiators emphasize that “with this, the Bee Network is on track to have a fully electric fleet by 2030, saving over 76,000 tons of CO2 annually.” For comparison, three years ago—before Transport for Greater Manchester took over bus operations—the area around Manchester had only 35 electric buses in use.

According to TfGM, 99 routes in the “Bee Network” are now fully operated by electric buses. Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, commented: “These electrification efforts are a key part of our investment-driven approach to improving air quality – and they are making a difference. By removing older buses from the streets and keeping fares in the ‘Bee Network’ affordable, we are enhancing the user experience for people across the entire city region.”

The modernization of the remaining depots of the “Bee Network” is progressing as planned: According to the officials, the design work is already underway, with electrification measures set to begin next year. As the electricity demand for operating the “Bee Network” increases, TfGM has also recently signed a long-term agreement for clean energy. “This ensures a fixed price for electricity from renewable sources to protect against sudden cost increases,” it says.