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Diamond Bus and Go North West to Operate School Buses in Final Phase of Bee Network Roll Out

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The final round of Bee Network contracts has been awarded for school services in Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and parts of Manchester and Salford from 5 January 2025.   Transport for Greater Manchester Greater Manchester is the first area to bring buses under local control following de-regulation in 1986 and currently around 50% of services are franchised under the Bee Network. Diamond Bus (North West) Limited has been awarded 7 contracts and Go North West Limited 2 contracts, covering a total of 37 schools to operate the final phase of school bus services. The final Bee Network school bus services will run from Monday 5 January 2025 – at which point all buses across Greater Manchester will be franchised and under local control, with other Bee Network bus services being run by Metroline, Stagecoach, First, Vision, Diamond and Go North West.    There will be no changes to the schools served or the numbers of buses used under the new contracts. As with other Bee Network services, ensur

Liverpool Unveils New Rapid Transport 'Glider' to Revolutionise Travel by 2028

Residents of the Liverpool City Region are getting their first look at a cutting-edge rapid transport 'Glider,' set to enhance journeys to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the city's football stadia by 2028.


Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Showcased in Metro branding outside Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium, the 18-metre, articulated vehicle promises to speed up travel across the region. The Glider, capable of carrying 30% more passengers than a typical double-decker bus, is equipped with three sets of double doors to streamline boarding and reduce stop times.

On loan from Translink’s Belfast fleet, where Gliders have cut journey times by up to 25% and replaced over 2.5 million car trips since 2018, this vehicle is touring various locations across Liverpool City Region. The Glider could soon be a permanent fixture, with plans to extend the service to areas like Wirral Waters.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:
“The Liverpool City Region is a well-established – and growing – magnet for visitors from around the world with our unique mix of music, culture, hospitality and sport.

“Millions of people pass through John Lennon Airport, many of them on their way to Anfield and, in future, to Bramley Moore. But one of the things people always tell me is that they need better links to these important places.

“As part of my plans to build a London-style transport system, that is something I am committed to addressing. I was just re-elected on a promise to look at delivering a ‘glider’ style rapid link that will make getting to the airport and the football much faster, more efficient and, above all, a more pleasant travelling experience.

“This is the first time the glider will be seen on our streets – but I’ll make sure they’re up and running serving passengers in time for the Euros in 2028.

“This is not the end of the story either. I remain committed to building the world class transport system our region deserves. Having a glider doesn’t mean that we won’t one day see a tram or rail station at the airport, but is an outstanding solution that will make an immediate difference to getting people around.”

During its stay, the Glider will be tested on key routes, with public feedback helping to shape final plans. The vehicle will be on display throughout the week at several roadshow events, giving residents a chance to experience it firsthand and share their thoughts.

Roadshow Dates and Locations:

  • Monday 19th August: Anfield Stadium (08:00am-11:30am), then Liverpool John Lennon Airport (12:30pm-03:00pm)
  • Tuesday 20th August: Seacombe Ferry Terminal (09:00am-03:00pm)
  • Wednesday 21th August: Mann Island (09:00am-03:00pm)
  • Thursday 22nd August: St Helens Town Centre (09:00am-03:00pm)
  • Friday 23rd August: Green Oaks Shopping Centre, Widnes (09:00am-03:00pm)

This new rapid transport link is a key component of Mayor Rotheram’s vision for a faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable transport network across the region.

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