Rotala has ordered 67 Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single-deckers in a variety of lengths for services that its Diamond Bus North West business will operate under the first and second tranches of bus franchising in Greater Manchester.
The buses will be delivered in early 2024, after the first franchised routes begin in September. They will be at a mix of 11.8m, 10.8m and 9.7m lengths and come with SmartPack technology from Alexander Dennis, which minimises fuel consumption.
All will be painted in Bee Network yellow. They internal specification “will reflect Transport for Greater Manchester’s template for its transformation of bus services through franchising,” says Alexander Dennis. That will include two wheelchair user bays per bus as well as a comprehensive passenger information system.
Speaking about the order, Rotala Chief Executive Simon Dunn says: “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-decker buses.
“Their entry into service early next year will give us a state-of-the-art low-emission fleet for our Diamond Bus North West operations.” Rotala has won a total of eight small franchises across the two tranches of local service contracts awarded so far in Greater Manchester.
Conclusion of the deal with the Alternative Investment Market-listed business represents conquest business for Alexander Dennis. The buses will be supported by the manufacturer’s AD24 aftersales arm.
In addition to the Enviro200 fleet for Diamond Bus North West, Transport for Greater Manchester will directly receive a total of 100 BYD ADL Enviro400EV battery-electric double-deckers for use in the first two franchising tranches.
