Bee Network
Bee Network
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Bee Network

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Bee Network

The Bee Network is an integrated transport network for Greater Manchester, comprising bus, tram, cycling and walking routes. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is expected to have commuter rail services joining the network in 2028. Initially unveiled in 2018, the project is aiming to create a London-style transport system, to encourage more people to take public transport instead of cars.

The design of the network is inspired by the Greater Manchester symbol, the worker bee, with bus and tram liveries coloured yellow and black to represent this.

Chris Boardman, the Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner, published documents in 2017 setting out plans. The project would include 121 kilometres (75 mi) of segregated cycling lanes, brand new electric buses, around 2,900 kilometres (1,800 mi) of new dedicated walking and cycling routes, 2,400 new road crossings and a new cycle hire scheme throughout the region.

Following on from the GMCA's decision to bring in a bus franchising scheme under the Bus Services Act 2017 in March 2021, the Bee Network concept was expanded to cover all forms of public transport – tram, bus and commuter rail – as well as active travel. The active travel component of the network was rebranded as the Bee Active Network.

A cycle hire scheme launched in late 2021 using Beryl bikes.

In June 2022, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham announced capped fares for buses from September 2022 in order to help with cost-of-living rises. The new fares would see full day fares capped at £5, and single trips capped at £2.

The Bee Network's bus service rollout began from December 2022 with the awarding of two large franchises and seven small franchises to Go North West and Diamond North West respectively in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Bury and Salford, displacing the existing operations of Arriva North West, First Greater Manchester, Stagecoach Manchester and Vision Bus in the 'Tranche One' area.

In November 2024, following an agreement between transport officials and credit unions, a new annual bus ticket will be announced in 2025 upon the full implementation of Bee Network bus franchising, along with a £2 "hopper fee". Followed by contactless fare caps in March 2025.

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