In its first year of operation, the Bee Network has reshaped the public transport landscape in Greater Manchester. Since its historic launch, over 58 million bus journeys have been made, with a clear shift towards cheaper, cleaner and more reliable services. The initiative has already surpassed expectations, with nearly seven million more bus journeys recorded compared to the previous year, marking a 5% increase.
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| Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) |
The introduction of the Bee Network’s distinctive yellow buses in areas such as Bolton, Wigan and parts of Salford and Bury has been instrumental in this growth. A cornerstone of Greater Manchester’s broader strategy to enhance public transport, the Bee Network is more than just a transit service – it’s a pivotal part of a plan to boost the city region's economy by connecting residents to vital education, leisure and employment opportunities. In doing so, the network is laying the groundwork for long-term urban growth, helping unlock new areas for housing development.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, described the past year as groundbreaking:
“We made history a year ago, being the first region in nearly four decades to bring our buses back under local control. Since then, we’ve seen incredible progress. Our buses are not only cleaner and more reliable but also cheaper, and more people are using them than ever before.”
Burnham noted improvements across the board:
“We’ve improved the age and standards of buses, expanded our workforce, kept fares affordable, and even launched night buses to serve our night-time economy. Local control of our buses also means we can offer free travel for 16 to 18-year-olds, ensuring that cost is no longer a barrier to accessing work or education.”
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| Transport for Greater Manchester |
This momentum hasn’t gone unnoticed. Louise Haigh, the Secretary of State for Transport, praised the Bee Network as a model for public transport nationwide:
“Greater Manchester has set a pioneering example with the Bee Network. In just one year, it has become a shining example of how public transport can be reliable, affordable, and seamlessly integrated. This is why, as Transport Secretary, I made it a priority to witness the Bee Network in action. The Government is committed to replicating these successes across the country.”
Driving Transformative Benefits
The phased rollout of the Bee Network, beginning in September 2023, has been transformative. Buses in Oldham, Rochdale and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester joined the initiative in March this year, bringing nearly half of the city region’s buses under local control. A total of 328 bus routes are now part of the Bee Network (188 in phase one and 140 in phase two), with the remaining 253 routes set to join by January 2025.
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| Transport for Greater Manchester |
The change has resulted in a host of improvements that wouldn’t have been possible under the previous deregulated system dominated by private operators. Key benefits of the Bee Network’s first year include:
Lower Fares: The £2 fare cap has reduced the cost of bus travel, with passengers saving almost 20%. Additionally, cheaper weekly, monthly and annual tickets will be introduced in January.
Improved Punctuality: Buses in the initial areas to come under local control have seen significant improvements in punctuality, with an 86.5% rate of on-time services between June and August 2024, compared to 70.5% for the same period prior to franchising.
Record Passenger Numbers: Over 58 million passenger journeys have been made on the Bee Network buses between September 2023 and September 2024, with a record 305,000 journeys made on a single day in early September.
Expanded Night Bus Services: The introduction of 24-hour routes has been well-received, particularly by those working in or enjoying Greater Manchester’s night-time economy.
Increased Revenue: Bus revenues from the first phase of the Bee Network exceeded £20 million, surpassing expectations by £3 million. The franchising model has proven more cost-effective than the tendered services it replaced, operating at a third less cost per kilometre.
Upgraded Fleet: The average age of buses in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Salford and Bury is now 4.7 years, compared to 8.6 years for the Greater Manchester bus fleet in 2018. Notably, 10% of the buses are now electric, up from less than 1% before franchising.
Enhanced Safety and Customer Satisfaction: The introduction of 69 new TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers across the network has helped to reassure passengers. Customer satisfaction with fare prices has reached an all-time high of 82%, up from 63% in 2022.
The Bee Network app, which allows users to track buses, access live departure times and plan journeys, has also been a key factor in the system’s growing success. Feedback mechanisms, such as the “Rate My Journey” feature, have enabled constant improvements.
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| Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) |
Future Plans and Continued Growth
Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner, Vernon Everitt, lauded the progress made in the Bee Network’s first year:
“We’ve made huge strides in creating a public transport system that works for everyone. Patronage, punctuality, and revenue are all up, while operational costs are down. But there is still much to do.”
Everitt emphasised the importance of customer feedback in shaping the network:
“We’ve listened to feedback and made improvements where necessary. We’ve focused on increasing the reliability of services and enhancing the safety and security of our customers and staff. The next phase will bring the remaining 50% of buses in south Greater Manchester under local control by January, and we are also working to introduce tap-and-go payment systems and integrate eight core rail lines.”
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| Transport for Greater Manchester |
The Bee Network’s success has not only been felt in Greater Manchester but has also attracted national attention. Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the broader economic benefits:
“The Bee Network has shown how essential local control over public transport can be. It’s not just about getting people from A to B; it’s about unlocking job opportunities, supporting businesses, and driving economic growth.”
The night bus services, in particular, have been hailed as a game-changer for businesses reliant on shift workers.
“Having full control over the network has allowed us to introduce initiatives like the night bus service, which is tailored specifically to Greater Manchester’s needs,”Fletcher added.
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| Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) |
As the Bee Network continues to expand and evolve, it remains a critical component of Greater Manchester’s ambitious plans for the future. With more buses, improved services and increased passenger numbers, the network is on track to deliver lasting benefits for the city region.
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