Greater Manchester will fully electrify its public transport system by 2030, using a £2.5 billion share of a broader £15.6 billion UK government funding package aimed at improving transport in city regions across England.
Under the plans, the city region will deploy 1,000 new electric buses powered by renewable energy, alongside electrifying its tram, train, and public-use e-bike networks. The goal is to build what officials describe as the UK’s first fully integrated and all-electric public transport system outside London.
“This is a game-changing moment that will underpin Greater Manchester’s green growth for years to come,” said Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester. “We can now move at pace to deliver the next phase of the Bee Network—creating the UK’s first fully electric, zero-emission integrated public transport system by 2030.”
Currently, more than 300 electric buses are in service in the region, including 83 Volvo BZL MCV double-deckers based at the Ashton electric bus station. The city has also rolled out 300 e-bikes for public hire and has placed additional orders for 100 electric double-deckers from British bus maker Alexander Dennis Ltd.
The city’s electrification push also includes expanded EV charging infrastructure and the adoption of electric refuse and emergency service vehicles.
The UK government’s wider £15.6 billion package—its largest investment in local transport infrastructure to date—aims to enhance mobility in northern, central and southwestern England. The funding will also support projects in regions such as West Yorkshire and the West Midlands, including metro extensions, rail upgrades and the integration of walking and cycling infrastructure.
“For too long, people in the North and Midlands have been locked out of the investment they deserve,” said UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. “We’re giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off.”