Rotala orders 67 Enviro200s for Greater Manchester franchised contracts
Alexander Dennis has taken orders from new customer Rotala for 67 Enviro200s.
The order follows Rotala’s success in winning contracts for franchised bus services under Transport for Greater Manchester’s new Bee Network, which will launch in stages from September 2023 onwards.
The new Enviro200s will be delivered to Rotala operating company Diamond North West in early 2024. They will be split across three vehicle lengths of 11.8m, 10.8m and 9.7m. All will have Alexander Dennis’s SmartPack efficiency technology to further reduce energy consumption and emissions.
Painted in the yellow Bee Network livery, Rotala’s new buses will reflect Transport for Greater Manchester’s template for its transformation of bus services through franchising. This includes improved accessibility for all with the provision of two wheelchair spaces per bus, as well as a comprehensive passenger information system that meets international specifications developed by the ITxPT association, of which Alexander Dennis parent NFI Group is a member.
“Their entry into service early next year will give us a state-of-the-art low-emission fleet for our Diamond North West operations” – Rotala Chief Executive, Simon Dunn
Rotala Chief Executive, Simon Dunn, said: “Following the award of franchises by Transport for Greater Manchester, Alexander Dennis offered us the right combination of versatile vehicles and production capabilities for these 67 single deck buses. Their entry into service early next year will give us a state-of-the-art low-emission fleet for our Diamond North West operations.”
“These new low-emission buses will give Rotala a solid foundation to deliver high-quality services in Greater Manchester’s new Bee Network” – Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager, Lee Salt
Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager, Lee Salt, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to meet Rotala’s requirements to win this significant deal with a new customer.
“These new low-emission buses will give Rotala a solid foundation to deliver high-quality services in Greater Manchester’s new Bee Network, underpinned by first-class, whole-vehicle aftermarket support from our AD24 division.”
In addition to the 67 Enviro200 for Rotala, the Bee Network will use a further 157 buses newly supplied by Alexander Dennis, including 100 electric double deckers directly procured by Transport for Greater Manchester.
Lee Salt, Regional Sales Manager, Alexander Dennis; Bob Dunn, Regional Managing Director, Rotala) and Matt Rawlinson, Managing Director, Diamond North West agreed the deal to supply Alexander Dennis Enviro200 low-emission buses