The final round of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Bee Network contracts has been awarded for school services in Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and parts of Manchester and Salford from 5 January 2025. Diamond Bus North West has been awarded seven contracts and Go North West two, covering a total of 37 schools in total, to operate the final phase of school bus services.
Once the services commence on 5 January 2025, all buses across Greater Manchester will be operated as franchised services. Stephen Rhodes, TfGM’s Director of Bus, said: “Awarding the last round of franchised contracts for school services is a major milestone towards delivering the Bee Network. We are absolutely committed to delivering regular, reliable services to ensure they meet the needs of pupils who will be relying on them to get to and from school. We have made performance and reliability a key part of the contract award to deliver this positive change.
“We look forward to working with Diamond Bus North West and Go North West over the coming months as we prepare to deliver the completion of bus franchising on 5 January 2025.”
Executive Director at Diamond Bus North West Bob Dunn said: “We are pleased to have been awarded a further seven franchises within Greater Manchester, meaning by next year we will be operating 18 small or school bus franchises. We are currently working hard making preparations for January, and we look forward to meeting our new customers and colleagues early next year.”
Go North West Managing Director Nigel Featham said: “We are delighted to be awarded additional contracts, and look forward to working closely with TfGM to deliver high quality school bus transport. These contracts add to our existing large franchise work which we operate at depots in Bolton and Wigan. We have an exceptional team at Go North West and are proud of the quality of services we provide for passengers.”
