Bee Network: improving Greater Manchester's bus travel

27 Sep 2023

The first Bee Network buses are now running in parts of Greater Manchester

For the first time in almost 40 years, bus services are under local control in Bolton, Wigan, and parts of Bury, Salford and Manchester.

Greater Manchester is on a journey to delivering a joined-up, sustainable and inclusive transport system which supports safe, seamless and affordable end-to-end journeys across public transport and active travel – the Bee Network.

For buses, the Bee Network means better integration with other transport modes, simpler fares and a transition to a modern, zero-emission fleet. It will also make services more accountable to the communities they serve, putting accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability at the heart of decision making. 

Simple, more affordable bus fares

These new capped fares have provided support to residents during the current cost of living pressures and have proved successful in making buses more attractive – with bus use up 12% since September 2022. Given this success, the Mayor recently announced that these fare caps would be extended until at least September 2024.

To mark the start of franchising, a new Bee AnyBus + Tram ticket is now available across Greater Manchester, which enables customers to add selected Metrolink zones to their AnyBus travelcard at a significantly cheaper cost than purchasing products separately.

Customer experience

To support people in making their journeys, a new look Bee Network website has launched, and the Bee Network App is also available to download. These digital improvements will make it easier for passengers to find the bus or tram ticket for them, find timetables and live departure times and report any property lost on a Bee Network bus.

• Download the app at beenetwork.com/app
• Rate your journey on a bus or tram at beenetwork.com/rate-your-journey
• Visit the new website at beenetwork.com
• More information is available via the Say Yellow customer information hub.