First Bus depot begins switch to electric 03 January 2024

Work is underway to transform the First Bus depot in Oldham, Manchester, with the introduction of the next phase of electrification.

The move is part of the wider Greater Manchester electric vehicle (EV) fleet transformation.

The collaboration of First Bus and incoming owner Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to deliver funding will allow the works to be delivered and operational for the next phase of Greater Manchester Bus Franchising.

Contractors from Stonewood Electrical have arrived on site and started preparations to install the power charging and infrastructure to handle the introduction of 50 zero emission EV buses when the depot on Wallshaw Street joins the Bee Network in March 2024.

Stagecoach will operate the depot on behalf of TfGM when franchised bus services begin on the Bee Network next spring.

A total of 17 Heliox Flex 180 kW (kilowatt) chargers are being installed, capable of dynamically charging 51 vehicles simultaneously in 2.5 hours.

Author
Transport Engineer

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