Bee Network buses unfortunately do not offer a corporate rate but there are a number of ticket options available where you can save money on your travel. These must be purchased directly from Bee Network via their app, website or a ticket office. 

A £2 single fares cap was introduced for Greater Manchester in September 2022.

View a full list of Bee Network bus services.

Annual Bee Bus Ticket

You can apply to your local Greater Manchester credit union for the Annual Bee Bus Ticket Loan and spread the cost over the year. Repay the credit union via weekly or monthly payments, at no extra cost to you compared to paying upfront.

You can also access free travel on the 147 bus by simply showing your staff ID card. Free travel will be available from the following stops only:

From South Campus to North Campus and Piccadilly Rail Station

1. University (outside Students Union)
2. University (near Booth Street West)
3. Sackville Gardens (Whitworth Street)
4. You can travel as far as Piccadilly Rail Station (end of route)

From Piccadilly Rail Station and North Campus to South Campus

1. Piccadilly Rail Station (Stop D)
2. University (Vimto Park)
3. Conference Centre (Charles Street)
4. You can travel as far as University (outside Stopford Building)

If you are travelling outside the campus area you will need to pay for your journey or hold a valid ticket.

We understand that driving is essential for some colleagues on certain days, but commutes don’t necessarily have to look the same every day. We’ll provide information and resources to help you explore more sustainable options, along with benefits and trial programs to encourage alternatives that reduce congestion and support the environment. 

Staff car parking 

University staff are eligible to apply for a pay as you go (PAYG) permit, which charges an hourly rate dependent upon your Grade.

Permit holders will have access to five car parking facilities on campus.

Accessible parking 

Staff and students with a Blue Badge or receiving higher-rate Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are eligible for free parking permits. We will do our best to provide spaces as close to workplaces as possible. Find more information.  

Electric vehicles 

We have a number of charging bays across campus where you can charge your electric vehicle. Tariffs apply. We will be gradually phasing out discounted parking charges for existing EV drivers over the next three years, with changes taking full effect by 2027/28. 

Car sharing 

Making regular trips to campus and want a travel buddy, or looking to catch a ride? Try our new car-sharing app, STAXY – coming soon. Connect with others to reduce travel costs and your carbon footprint. To register your interest, contact es@manchester.ac.uk 

Cycling is a great, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way to travel to and from campus. The University offers a variety of resources and benefits to support experienced cyclists and gently encourage new riders to get started. 

Cycle to work scheme

Eligible staff can take advantage of our cycle to work scheme which allows you to order a new bike, equipment or both up to the value of £5,000 (subject to affordability). You pay directly via your salary to make tax savings of 28% - 47%. Place your order today on Purple Place.

Cycling facilities 

Use our interactive campus map to find where your nearest cycle shelter is, and discover how to use them. Got caught in the rain? The campus map also signposts our multiple shower and changing facility locations. 

Active Travel Breakfasts

These events will continue in 2025. Chat with fellow riders over a free breakfast while picking up tips, resources, and advice to support your active commute. Check the sustainability events page for details on the next event or contact es@manchester.ac.uk.

The University can provide eligible employees with an interest free Season Ticket Loan, to purchase a Corporate Bee Card for use on Metrolink Trams. The scheme enables you to apply for an annual ticket, and the University will purchase it on your behalf. You then repay the cost of the ticket by monthly instalments directly from your salary. Repayments are typically made over 12 months.

Eligibility

You must be a salaried member of the University and be regularly paid on a monthly basis through the payroll system. Season tickets under this scheme must be for one year. The maximum value of the loan available is £3,500 or 5% of gross salary (whatever is greatest) subject to affordability checks. 

Summary of scheme

Please read this online guide for general information on the scheme and the current annual corporate ticket prices. (Prices correct as of April 2023).

How to apply

1. Follow the steps outlined in the 'how to apply' section of this guide, and set up your own account here.
   
2. You will then receive an email and must follow the instructions to validate your account.
3. You will need to fill out both the Corporate Bee Card Application and the Season Ticket Loan Application. The declaration section will then be signed by P&OD and scanned to your email.
4. The relevant paperwork will then be sent to you in regards to monthly deductions; this will need to be signed and dated.
5. You will need to upload the completed corporate application form and your photo to the website which orders the corporate Bee Card.
6. The Bee Card will be posted to your home address. Once you receive your corporate Bee Card in the post, the smart ticket can be collected from one of the smart readers situated at all Metrolink stops.
7. The smart card must be presented to the smart reader to ‘touch in’ and ‘touch out’ for each journey made.

If you need any help in completing the season ticket loan application form, please reach out to People.Directoratesupport@manchester.ac.uk

The University can provide eligible employees with an interest free Season Ticket Loan, to purchase annual season tickets for Northern Rail. The scheme enables you to apply for an annual season ticket, and the University will purchase it on your behalf. You then repay the cost of the ticket by monthly instalments directly from your salary. Repayments are typically made over 12 months.

Eligibility

You must be a salaried member of the University and be regularly paid on a monthly basis through the payroll system. Season tickets under this scheme must be for one year. The maximum value of the loan available is £3,500 or 5% of gross salary (whatever is greatest) subject to affordability checks. 

How to apply

You will need to apply for your Northern Rail ticket and complete the application for the University's season ticket loan scheme.

1. Please read the Terms and Conditions of the University's Season Ticket Loans Scheme
2. Complete the online Northern Rail Season Ticket Application
3. Repayments are taken over 12 months.

If you need any help in completing the season ticket loan application form, please reach out to People.Directoratesupport@manchester.ac.uk