After the Holcombe Brook service, the L&YR decided to electrify the Manchester to Bury line. The system used was 1,200 V DC from a side-contact third rail. The purpose of this unusual arrangement was to prevent the service being affected by ice forming on the live rail. Sixty-six cars were built at Newton Heath works. The electrical equipment was supplied by Dick, Kerr & Co. The first public services ran on 17 April 1916,