Bee Network app: Transport for Greater Manchester issues update with big changes planned month on from launch

Transport for Greater Manchester has assured customers that improvements continue to be made to the Bee Network app. The app was launched in late September, around a week before the first buses hit the road in Greater Manchester. 

Updates to the app are made on a regular basis and are done so following customer feedback. This is according to the Bee Network X/Twitter page which responds to questions and issues online. 

Now TfGM has confirmed that while updates will be rolled out throughout the year, major changes will be made in January 2024. One of the main updates coming soon will be the addition of a Metrolink zone map.

The update on the changes coming to the app also includes plans for Apple and Google Pay functions going live this month. The app news comes as the Bee Network celebrates a month since launch day. 

A spokesperson for TfGM said: “Customer travel information has been enhanced and work has been done to resolve the small number of technical issues which were experienced around the launch of franchised services. Further improvements continue to be made to the Bee Network App including additional travel information and the addition of a Metrolink Zonal Map. Apple and Google Pay functions will be coming online in November, with a journey planning feature being added in the new year.”

They added that the launch of the Bee Network has “boosted the number of people travelling by bus and driven an improvement in bus services” in recent weeks. The travel authority also suggests that the money generated from fares is also above forecast by between 10% and 15%, and that this money will go back into improving local transport. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “I’m pleased to say we are seeing improvements day-by-day; performance and reliability is up with busway services operating at a higher-level year on year, and I’m confident this will soon be mirrored across other services.

“This is just the start, and there is much more to come and much to be excited about. I have no doubt the Bee Network will be transformational for everyone living, working and visiting Greater Manchester.”