Stockport is abuzz in the transport world of late as 170 electric buses have been ordered by Stagecoach for the town fleet, the company's largest order of electric vehicles to date.  The electric fleet will consist of 150 double deck and 20 single deck buses and will be produced by Volvo/MCV. The first vehicles are set to be delivered in summer 2024.  

The buses will be funded by Stagecoach and the local and national government, with Stagecoach's £37.2 million investment match-funded by £35.7 million from Greater Manchester's successful Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) bid. There is also an additional contribution of £12.5 million by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)/ Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). 

Stagecoach state the new electric buses 'will be fully accessible, with wheelchair bays, hearing induction loops, audio and visual announcement systems and anti-slip flooring.' 

Sam Greer, Engineering Director for Stagecoach, said, '[the vehicles] will be a major step forward in improving air quality across the region.'  

Stockport's new fleet represents a key step in Stagecoach's aim for zero emissions by 2035.