Greater Manchester’s Bee Network is gearing up to unveil its first new bus route later this month. It’s been a year since the city region took control of its bus network, giving local communities a louder voice in how services are run. Since then, buses in Greater Manchester have become cheaper, cleaner and more reliable. Routes are being reviewed to ensure residents can easily access jobs and opportunities.
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| Transport for Greater Manchester |
From 27th October, people in Wigan will benefit from shiny new services on a key commuter route, just in time to help shoppers get to two major retail hubs ahead of Christmas. The new 615 service will reconnect Wigan with Middlebrook retail park, where there’s a wealth of shops and places to eat. This hourly service restores a link that was lost four years ago – just in time for festive shopping.
That’s not all. The 132 service will see double the buses between Wigan and the Trafford Centre, with one leaving every 30 minutes instead of every hour. So whether you’re commuting or indulging in a little retail therapy, things are about to get a whole lot easier.
Before the Bee Network, private bus companies ran the show. They picked the routes, frequencies, timetables and fares. But now, under local control, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) can dig into the data and tweak services to better fit the Bee Network’s promises to passengers.
Mayor Andy Burnham sees this as a big win.
“The first new Bee Network bus service is a major milestone,”
“We’re showing that having local control of buses brings real improvements for communities.
“With these new and improved routes between Wigan, the Trafford Centre and Middlebrook, we’re boosting access to jobs, shops and leisure activities – which is especially handy as Christmas approaches.
“The only way we can grow the Bee Network, improve services and keep fares low is if more people hop on board. So I urge everyone to give it a go and enjoy our cleaner, cheaper, more reliable buses.”
Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt is also excited:
“We’ve listened to local feedback, and I’m thrilled we’re bringing in the first new Bee Network service linking Wigan with Middlebrook. We’re also doubling the number of buses on a key route to the Trafford Centre.
“As we expand the Bee Network, we’ll keep working with local authorities and communities across Greater Manchester to shape a bus network that truly works for everyone.”
Passengers are advised to check for any changes to their regular service by visiting a Travelshop, or by using the Bee Network app or website. Updated info will also be available at bus stops.
Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, is pleased too.
“It’s brilliant to see these improvements, with the Bee Network back under local control. Wigan was one of the first areas in Greater Manchester to get Bee Network buses, and we’ve already seen the V1 trial a 24-hour service between Leigh and Manchester Royal Infirmary.
“With the new 615 service restoring a route that was scrapped and more frequent buses running to the Trafford Centre, we’ve seen real progress in our local services over the past year.”
Nigel Featham, Managing Director of Go North West, is equally enthusiastic.
“As operators of Bee Network services, we’re proud to help bring these new and improved services to Wigan and Middlebrook as part of the mission to transform local transport. The introduction of the 615 is a great example of how franchising can really benefit passengers by providing the services they need when they need them most.
“As the festive season approaches, these changes will make it easier for people to reach major retail and leisure destinations, while also improving connectivity across Greater Manchester. We’re looking forward to working closely with TfGM to deliver a customer-first bus network for everyone.”
Matt Rowlinson, Managing Director at Rotala North West, adds:
“Doubling the frequency of the 132 service means better links for people in Wigan, Ince In Makerfield, Hindley, Atherton, Tyldesley, Mosley Common, Boothstown and Worsley, giving them more options for both work and leisure travel.”
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