Under the UK government's new devolution plans, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham will have a formal role in running the region's railways, gaining influence over timetables and potentially control over some stations and land. Burnham is 'excited' about this prospect, aiming to integrate train services into the Bee Network, his public transport system, and increase train frequency. This follows plans for all buses in Greater Manchester to come under public control soon.
Andy Burnham has new powers. And the Mayor of Greater Manchester has set out how he intends to use them to transform trains across the region.
It comes weeks before Greater Manchester reaches the final stage of bringing all buses in the city-region under public control. Mr Burnham has promised that his next step will be to bring trains into the Bee Network - his London-style public transport system. It comes ahead of a trial of tap-in, tap-out payments - which is already used on Metrolink trams - along two routes covering 17 stations across Greater Manchester announced by the Conservatives earlier this year. The trial on the Glossop to Piccadilly and Stalybridge to Victoria lines will begin next year with full multi-modal fares set to be rolled out by 2030, the government says.
"Because obviously when you bring a lot of Greater Manchester towns into the Bee Network through the eight lines, if we've then also got control of the stations to build around and get the uplift from those places from being in the Bee Network, that is really exciting. So that's the standout commitment from my point of view."
But Mr Burnham believes that he will have more of a say over train timetables. And he plans to use it to put more services on.
RAILWAYS DEVOLUTION GREATER MANCHESTER BEE NETWORK TRANSPORT
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Andy Burnham Takes Control of Greater Manchester's TrainsAndy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to gain significant control over the region's rail network under new devolution plans. He will have a formal role in running the railways, including influence over timetables and potential control over stations and land. Burnham plans to integrate train services into the Bee Network, his London-style public transport system.
Read more »
Andy Burnham welcomes English National Opera to Manchester after 'awkward' startThe Greater Manchester Mayor was speaking at the official launch for the globally renowned company, which is moving productions and projects up North from 2025
Read more »
Greater Manchester's £10m win for greater employment supportA new 'Jobs and Careers Service' will launch, merging the Job Centre with England's National Careers Service
Read more »
Andy Burnham backs M.E.N. campaign following 'tragic' murder of Caroline GoreHundreds of people have signed our petition calling for tougher sentences on those who breach restraining orders like Caroline's killer
Read more »
Trains, jobs and growth: The new powers Andy Burnham wants and what he could getThe government is set to unveil its plans for a 'devolution revolution'
Read more »
The future of Andy Burnham’s massive housing plan hangs in the balance after court challengeThe saga has now reached court
Read more »