Bee Network: Andy Burnham’s brain-child to hit the road next week

Manchester’s Bee Network will officially start, bringing the region’s trams, train and buses together from this Sunday.

The launch of the network on September 24 will coincide with the launch of their app and website with the same name.

Tickets bought on the app will now be 20% cheaper. The app will also give customers live updates about tram and bus departure times, as well as updates on the closest stops.

The network is the brainchild of Metro Mayor Andy Burnham, who aims to give Greater Manchester a ‘London-style transport system’.

Burnham said: “It’s a taste of how, under this new system, customers will have a much better travelling experience, with their wants and needs coming first and foremost at all times.”

For the first time in 40 years Manchester buses will be publically owned.

The increased control over public transport has allowed Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to make combined tickets for buses, trains and trams. They will include student and children bus passes.

TfGM will also be introducing 50 zero-emission buses across the city.

A focus on safety is also paramount, with the Bee Network having 30 new TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers (TSEOs) patrolling buses, stations and interchanges.

However, the Bee Network aims to keep expanding – adding more buses, trains and cycles to the network.

Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, Vernon Everitt said: “All buses will be franchised by January 2025, enabling full ‘tap-and-go’ integrated ticketing across Metrolink and buses.

“We are also working with the rail industry to begin bringing tap-and-go payment to the region’s rail network in 2025 as part of fully joining up all public transport services and cycle hire.”

Burnham previously claimed that his 3rd term in Manchester is going to be aimed at trying to work towards publicly-owning trains in Manchester.