Bee Network: Andy Burnham makes vow after 'bumpy' start to Greater Manchester's new transport network

Andy Burnham has promised that bus services will get better after a ‘bumpy’ start to the new Bee Network this week. The Greater Manchester mayor apologised to passengers who have experienced disruption to services since buses were taken under public control in Bolton and Wigan on Sunday.

The move, which also affects services in Salford and Bury, means local leaders can set bus fares, routes and timetables for the first time in nearly 40 years. But the launch of the London-style public transport system saw delays and cancellations on the first franchised bus services in the city-region.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester on Thursday, Mr Burnham said he understands the frustration felt by passengers facing disruption over the last few days. But said things are already improving.

He said: “It’s day five for the Bee Network and, my goodness, they’ve been five big days. So what would I say? Sunday, Monday, definitely quite bumpy. No getting away from it. And I would just want to say sorry to anybody who experienced any disruption to the services over those two days.

“On Tuesday things started to settle, and again yesterday. I’m not going to say it’s perfect out there, but what I am going to say is that the buses are out, the services are running, maybe not all of them, but the vast majority, and things are bedding down.”

Mr Burnham thanked staff at Transport for Greater Manchester for the ‘monumental’ overnight which saw a fifth of the city-region’s bus services brought under public control. This involved some services changing operators, 50 new electric buses being rolled out and a new IT system being put in place.

The Labour mayor also responded to criticism of the new Bee Network app. He said the app would be upgraded, allowing customers to buy tickets using Apple or Google Pay while journey planning will be added from the new year.

Real-time information for buses and trams will also be improved, Mr Burnham said. He added: “We have pulled off a big thing in the last few days and I just hope people bear with us a little bit as we work through some of the issues.”

All Greater Manchester buses will be part of the Bee Network by 2025.