Go North West wins two Bee Network contracts as debate grows over electric bus depot and charging continuity
By Eve
In September 2026, Go-Ahead announced that Go North West had won two Bee Network operating contracts in Greater Manchester, covering 38 routes and approximately 60 buses, with services starting in March 2027. Eighteen of the routes will run from a new depot in Leigh. The article uses the award to argue that operating agreements, which may run for five to seven years, sit on top of depots, substations and multi-megawatt grid connections that can outlast several contracts.
Why it matters
Where charging equipment and grid capacity are tied to one site and one incumbent, a retender can leave a rival bidder without assured access, potentially adding years of delay. CPOs and funders should look at who holds rights to depot and electrical assets across contract changes, as this shapes risk, bankability and who can compete.
Source
- Original title
- “Electric Buses Need a Plan for the Next Operating Contract”
- Published
- 5 November 2026
- Updated
- 8 November 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
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