Bee Network: Manchester Metrolink Twitter/X page shuts down ahead of launch of new transport network

It may be only a small change, but the next step towards the launch of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network has been made. The Manchester Metrolink Twitter page has been shut down, and replaced by a brand new account dedicated to The Bee Network, kicking off the week which leads up to the launch. 

The change to the Twitter page was announced last night (September 17) when the account tweeted to say: “We’ve assisted your journeys from this account for the last ten years Thank you for all your comments, sending in pictures & helping us decide what takeaway to order! It's not goodbye forever, we'll be back at 7am from the new #BeeNetwork account. Make sure to say hello!”

At 6.08am this morning, the first tweet on the new account was posted. It read: “Good morning! The first tweet from the new Bee Network, we're buzzing! If you need any help with your journey, let me know & I'll be happy to assist. Have a great day!”

The new account will be dedicated to proving help and support for passengers using the new travel network. Step by step, the Bee Network is coming into place and launch day of September 24 is edging closer. 

Another feature to launch today is The Bee Network app. The new app will bring Greater Manchester's travel network under one umbrella. 

There have also been a large number of Greater Manchester buses that have come under public control for the first time in decades. This is another significant change to the region’s transport network. 

Matthew Topham, a campaigner at Better Buses for Greater Manchester which pushed for buses to come into public control, said: "For too long, bus company shareholders have been in the driving seat.  Launching today, the Bee Network App, alongside public control, will start to put power and money back in the pockets of the public."

"One of the big benefits of taking back our buses is that we can finally have a sensible door-to-door public transport network organised around giving travellers the best deal, not by private companies trying to maximise their share.

"The app helps by bringing our journeys together in one place, making it easier to get information, like when our next bus should be, and to get improvements when things go wrong. Customer feedback through the app could feed into fining bus operators for failing to deliver, with the money going back into the bus network.”