Bee Network bosses confirm night bus plans are being finalised in welcome news for night time economy

Night buses are set to arrive in parts of Greater Manchester this year. Plans for a trial are being ‘finalised’ by Transport for Greater Manchester

Some night buses already run in the region, largely south Manchester, but the new plans would see them operate in areas where Bee Network buses are currently in operation, namely Wigan and Bolton and parts of Bury, Salford and Manchester. It is hoped that the night buses will be a boost to Greater Manchester’s night time economy and the people who work in and enjoy it. 

Greater Manchester's Bee Network currently incorporates around 20% of the region’s buses. March will signal the next stage of franchising in parts of north Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Salford included. 

It is anticipated that the whole of the Greater Manchester bus network will be part of the Bee Network by January 2025. Operational night buses would increase further the opportunities for people in and around Greater Manchester to use public transport.

Sacha Lord, who is the Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester, took to social media following confirmation of the night bus plans. He believes the plan will be a huge benefit to night time workers. 

He wrote: “Greater Manchester Night Buses are coming.... Great news, not just for customers, but more importantly for staff. Finally staff will have access to public transport. A huge benefit of @AndyBurnhamGM taking buses back under public control.”

TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, Alex Cropper, said: “We recognise that transport is important to workers and employers in the night time economy and that there is a strong desire to enhance what is currently available.  

“Having control of our bus network gives us much more scope to explore options, and we’ve been working closely with the Mayor, Sacha Lord and other stakeholders to develop a business case to trial night services in areas served by the Bee Network. We are in the process of finalising these proposals, which we will be bringing forward to a future Bee Network Committee.”