A rolling programme of reviews will explore how public transport can best be improved across every part of Greater Manchester, says Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). Starting in Bolton and Wigan, the first boroughs to become part of the franchised Bee Network, TfGM Network Reviews will see Transport for Greater Manchester working with local authority partners to gather the thoughts of local communities, elected members and businesses.
All areas of Greater Manchester will be reviewed within three years, TfGM says, with the order mirroring the roll-out of bus franchising. A programme of thematic reviews – including opportunities for night buses, orbital services, or priority routes – is also planned to take place from January 2025, by which time all of Greater Manchester’s buses will be under Bee Network control.
Smaller operational interventions, such as timetable, minor route or fleet changes, can be introduced in around one to three months, says TfGM, addressing performance issues around punctuality and reliability, whilst changes that ‘grow’ the existing Bee Network – such as additional frequencies, trips, capacity or minor route changes – will fall under a fast-track process, meaning they can be put in place within around six months.
Strategic Network Reviews will deal with more substantial, in-depth changes with a view to improving the Bee Network over the longer term, which TfGM says under current legislation will likely take between 12 and 18 months and could require consultation.
Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt explained: “Striving for continuous improvement is at the heart of delivering the Bee Network and achieving the high standards of service our customers rightly expect. Through these Network Reviews we will work with district authorities and local communities to ensure that bus services meet their needs. The final stage of bus franchising covering the south of Greater Manchester will be completed in January adding to the new buses, additional services and improved punctuality delivered in the earlier phases. That will also enable us to introduce the option of ‘tap and go’ ticketing shortly afterwards linking up Metrolink and bus journeys and ensuring customers always pay the lowest fare for their travel.”
Councillor Paul Prescott, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport at Wigan Council, added: “It has been great to see our local buses here in Wigan Borough come back under local control. With the upcoming trial of the V1 as a 24-hour service creating better links between Leigh and Manchester and the exciting proposition of the Metrolink connecting to our borough, we are already seeing the benefits.
“These reviews will help to ensure that the Bee Network continues to develop and grow, connecting our borough to Greater Manchester and ensuring local residents, businesses and communities across our borough are well-served.”
Acknowledging that alongside growth and improvement, some necessary changes might result in reductions to services in certain cases, Martin Shier, Head of Bus Network Design and Operations at TfGM, told CBW: “The Network review process is intended to comprehensively reflect communities, businesses and local authority’s aspirations for the accessibility and frequency of the network where possible. It will also present an opportunity to increase efficiency and to simplify the network overall to remove duplication. Value for money will be one aspect under consideration in decision-making but we will also be seeking to maximise other factors such as social value, accessibility and supporting GM’s overall aspirations including increasing patronage growth and a more efficient, sustainable Bee Network.”
