7 new improvements for Bee Network announced by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham and Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt were at Shudehill Interchange today to unveil a further raft of changes to improve bus services for people and communities across the city-region. They include more frequent buses, cheaper travel and new round-the-clock services.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Our region has the fastest growing economy in the UK, and the Bee Network will continue to play a vital role as we look to build on our plans set out in the Greater Manchester Strategy to make the next 10 years the best decade for our region since the Victorian era.”

He said: “These proposals include enhanced and expanded bus routes, more night buses and half price bus travel for our young people, alongside commitments to revisit free round-the-clock travel for people using concessionary passes, with a second trial in November this year.”

Adding: “We are still only two years into this journey and these latest announcements underline our commitment to providing the best possible public transport system to support the people, communities and businesses which are helping to grow Greater Manchester’s economy.”

This includes a thousand new EV buses to form a 100% electric fleet alongside trams already powered by renewable energy and e-bikes for hire; the integration of eight local rail lines with the Bee Network which will see improved accessibility and capped fares; and major infrastructure projects including Metrolink extensions and stops and new modern interchanges to support the wider delivery of thousands of new homes, skilled jobs and green growth.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Public transport is one of seven key areas underpinning our future vision and plan for a thriving Greater Manchester. Over the next decade we will continue to invest in the Bee Network to transform how people get around and provide the high standards of service the people and businesses of our region rightly expect.”

He said: “The service changes announced today will bring immediate and wide-ranging benefits to communities across Greater Manchester, whether it’s more night buses to support the night-time economy, improved connections between our region and neighbouring areas, or cutting the cost of travel for our young people.”

Adding: “The Bee Network – embracing bus, tram active travel and, soon, rail – has already achieved so much since the launch of bus franchising two years ago, and we are focused on continuous improvement to support economic growth, greater productivity and access to new homes, jobs and wider opportunity for all.”