Stagecoach has outlined a £56m proposal to introduce more than 100 electric buses into Greater Manchester.
The first of the planned 105 new zero emissions double-deckers and associated infrastructure is hoped to go live from the summer of 2019, providing a massive boost to local air quality and UK manufacturing.
The new fleet is expected to be fully in place by early 2020.

Stagecoach has pledged to invest £34.6m in the ground-breaking project, which is backed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, Transport for Greater Manchester and other organisations. The plans are also dependent on a bid for £21.5m in support from the government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.
Enviro400 EV City vehicles, each with a range of up to 190 miles and capacity to carry about 80 passengers, would be built by Alexander Dennis using battery and power electronics expertise from automotive company BYD.
Martin Griffiths, chief executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “This game-changing initiative is the biggest single investment in e-bus technology anywhere in Europe. It is a clear sign of our bold ambition to transform Greater Manchester’s bus network.
“Our plans will put Greater Manchester at the forefront of the drive to improve local air quality and help cement Britain’s position as global leader in manufacturing low-emission vehicles. It is also part of our wider partnership proposals to maximise the potential of the bus network to drive the region’s economy and better connect its communities.
Gary Nolan, chief executive of OneBus, added: “I very much welcome this investment by Stagecoach. This is a clear demonstration of how a genuine partnership between a private sector operator and a range of public sector stakeholders – including the mayor, TfGM and other local authorities – can have a hugely positive impact on the region’s bus services.
“I’ve no doubt the travelling public of Greater Manchester will benefit from a greener, quicker, more efficient bus service.”

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