Bee Network electric buses hit with safety warning over fears they could catch fire
13.03.2024 - 15:27
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
New electric buses operating in Greater Manchester are subject to a safety notice because of fears they could catch fire.
The notice has been issued to 50 zero-emission buses in the Bee Network’s fleet as part of a nationwide recall of 1,800 vehicles, transport chiefs have confirmed. However, the buses will operate as planned with extra ‘precautions’, they add.
It is understood the notice will not affect the current timetable of Greater Manchester’s publicly-controlled bus operation, and nor will it impact on the implementation of the next phase of franchising, scheduled for March 24.
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Services in Wigan and Bolton came under the Bee Network’s control last September, along with parts of Salford and Bury. In a fortnight, Rochdale, Oldham, and north Manchester join the network in a move which will also add in the remaining parts of Salford and Bury not already covered.
The Alexander Dennis-built buses which are affected are operated by Go North West on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). A spokesperson for the latter confirmed staff are ‘following all precautions set out in this bulletin’.
“There are 50 zero emission Bee Network buses operating in the Greater Manchester that are impacted by the safety bulletin issued by Alexander Dennis,” a statement added. “The safety of passengers and staff is our priority and we can assure the public that both we and Go North West - operator of the fleet - is following all precautions set out in this bulletin and that there is no impact to local bus services.”
They also confirmed that the temporary remedy to ensure the vehicles’ safe operation was to turn off the HVAC system when