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First Bus for TfGM

Oldham Depot Electrification

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Vextrix provided Contract Administration and Quantity Surveying services for the electrification of the Oldham Bus Depot on behalf of First Bus and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

The project enabled the installation of infrastructure to support 51 new electric buses, advancing Greater Manchester’s Bee Network—a plan to bring the bus network back under local control and introduce a zero-emission fleet across the region. As part of this ambitious transport transformation, the Oldham depot electrification follows the successful Bolton depot upgrade, ensuring the region’s fleet is future ready.

The primary goal of the project was to install charging infrastructure that could support the simultaneous charging of 51 electric buses, with each full charge only taking three hours and providing a range of up to 160 miles. This electrification effort is part of a bigger rollout of the Bee Network, with further EV expansion in Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, parts of Salford, and North Manchester.

Powering EV Collaboration

Vextrix’s role was orchestrating the collaboration between all key stakeholders in the project. This included TfGM, serving as both funder and end user; the two bus operators, First Bus and Stagecoach; as well as the charger and bus suppliers, project consultants, low-voltage infrastructure contractor, and the high-voltage contractor responsible for the new power supply. Through meticulous coordination, Vextrix ensured every party was aligned and equipped to drive the project forward smoothly.

Project Details

Services Provided

Employer's Agent, Quantity Surveying

Sector

Bus & Coach

Value

£2.8m

We managed these relationships through regular on-site meetings and virtual sessions via MS Teams. Clear actions and deadlines were established to ensure the timely flow of information and that all parties were aligned throughout the project.

With over ten similar charging infrastructure projects in the 18 months leading up to this project, Vextrix brought extensive expertise in both technical and operational aspects of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects. Our proactive approach allowed us to anticipate and address potential issues that might disrupt the schedule. Regular action tracking, clear deadlines, and our ability to quickly review and approve variations helped keep the project on track and within budget.

Overcoming Delivery Challenges

The project faced several challenges that required the team to act efficiently and with diligence to ensure decisions were made promptly.

First Bus needed to complete the electrification before transferring the depot to Stagecoach by the end of March. To meet this deadline, Vextrix managed all dependencies and expedited project phases, especially in areas requiring immediate action.

Within just four months, the team completed the design, fabrication, and installation of four large steel gantries, a new substation, and the full charging infrastructure. Operating in a live depot presented safety and operational challenges, which influenced various design and scheduling decisions.

Working within an active bus depot demanded a sensitive approach to construction planning, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations while prioritising safety for both the project team and depot staff.

Setting a Benchmark for Future Electrification Efforts

The Oldham Bus Depot electrification project was completed ahead of schedule, earning praise within the bus industry for the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery.

The successful delivery of this project is a significant step in realising Greater Manchester’s vision for a sustainable, locally controlled public transport network, setting a benchmark for future electrification efforts in the region.

Contact Us

Adam Blasbery

Associate Director

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