TfGM award contract for Bee Network AV announcement systems

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has awarded McKenna Brothers the contract to supply and install Audio-Visual (AV) Announcement Systems on Bee Network buses.

AV announcement systems on buses are part of TfGM’s customer commitments towards full accessibility for transport, and will ensure travel information displayed is readily available and usable for all passengers.

The contract is a continuation of the successful partnership between TfGM and McKenna Brothers, reinforcing the commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and accessible, user-friendly travel information for Greater Manchester’s public transport system. This partnership has already shown success with previous and most recent operator orders, and McKenna Brothers will continue to support TfGM’s vision of a seamless travel experience across the Greater Manchester region, with Bee Network buses operating across the entire city-region by January 2025.

Funding for the AV announcement systems – that will help to deliver the latest innovative technology on Bee Network buses – is coming from Greater Manchester’s allocation from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).

Fran Wilkinson, Customer and Growth Director, TfGM, said:

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Mckenna Brothers to further install Audio-Visual Announcement (AVA) Systems on the Bee Network.

“Building the Bee Network is about providing accessible journeys for all, and AVA systems significantly improves the customer journey experience by ensuring that travel information is readily available and usable for all.

“I hope the improvements we are delivering give people who might otherwise not have travelled the confidence to get on board the Bee Network.”

Derek Dawson, Managing Director at McKenna Brothers, expressed his enthusiasm about the new contract:

“We are thrilled to have been awarded this opportunity by Transport for Greater Manchester. This partnership will allow us to further support their innovative vision in providing a more comprehensive passenger experience.

“The award is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise, as we continue to collaborate with TfGM in delivering cutting-edge transit solutions for the Greater Manchester community.”