Greater Manchester introduces a new publicly controlled bus network with a £2 fare cap, aiming to reduce car dependency. The Bee Network integrates with trams and plans to include rail lines by 2028, but faces criticism over potential reliance on subsidies and initial teething problems.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked people to ditch their cars in 2025 if the region's new bus network is to be a success. Andy Burnham said if the £2 Bee Network bus fare cap was to remain, more people needed to take advantage of it. Speaking as all bus services were brought back under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, he urged that people 'please consider making a New Year's resolution to use the network in 2025 and leave the car at home more and more”.
Bus services are still run by private companies but the fares, timetables and routes are now set by the ten councils in Greater Manchester. The service will be integrated with Greater Manchester's tram system, with plans to include commuter rail lines in the Bee Network by 2028. Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: 'This kind of seamless travel between bus, tram and, eventually, train is an experience familiar in London and is now coming to Greater Manchester.'Laura Evans, the Conservative candidate at the mayoral election in 2024, criticised the change, saying it relied on expensive government subsidies. She said: 'If the buses aren't running at full capacity, then you are going to need subsidies, and that money will come from our pockets.' The Bee Network was beset by delays and cancellations when the system was launched in Wigan and Bolton in September 2023. There were also problems with training new drivers when the second phase was rolled out in Oldham, Bury and Rochdale in March 2024. But Everitt said while there could be teething problems in the first few days, the system had seen improved take-up in recent years, as well as improvements in punctuality.Some of the yellow Bee Network buses are already operating in Stockport More than 250 routes in Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and South Manchester have now joined the networ
Public Transport Bus Network Bee Network Greater Manchester Transport Policy
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.
Greater Manchester could see yellow Bee Network trains in TWO yearsThe trains would be publicly controlled, much like London's Overground, bosses say
Read more »
Public Buses Across Greater Manchester Join Bee Network Amidst Winter WeatherThe Bee Network expansion, bringing public bus operation to Greater Manchester for the first time in decades, coincides with challenging weather conditions.
Read more »
Bee Network Buses Take Over Greater ManchesterGreater Manchester has finally achieved full public control of its bus network after four decades. The Bee Network, with its iconic yellow buses, will provide a more reliable, cheaper, and easier public transport system.
Read more »
Storm Darragh weather maps show where 60mph winds will hit Greater ManchesterStorm Darragh is set to hit the UK this weekend
Read more »
All the events cancelled due to Storm Darragh in Greater Manchester this weekendStrong winds, heavy rain and some snow is expected over the next 24 hours
Read more »
Greater Manchester hospital under 'tremendous pressure' as some wards at '100 per cent capacity'It comes as the NHS deals with the number of people in hospital with flu more than quadrupling on last year nationally
Read more »