Rotala orders 67 Alexander Dennis Enviro200 for Greater Manchester franchised contracts
29 June 2023
Rotala orders 67 Alexander Dennis Enviro200 for Greater Manchester franchised contracts
Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that it has taken orders from new customer Rotala plc for 67 Enviro200 single deck buses.
The low-emission bus deals follow 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 Enviro200 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.
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.”
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.