Buses in Manchester

Greater Manchester Mayor accelerates London-style transport ‘revolution’

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has announced a series of major steps to move Greater Manchester towards a London-style public transport system with London-level bus fares.

After a legal challenge brought by bus operators against the city region’s bus franchising plans was dismissed, Mr Burnham announced that under a franchised network, adult single journeys would cost no more than £2, while single child ones would be no more than £1.

Currently, there are many different adult single bus fares, some costing as much as £4 in Greater Manchester.

The move will be the first step towards the region’s public being able to access a more affordable public transport network, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) said.

During an event to outline a ‘new era’ for Greater Manchester, Mr Burnham set out a revised timetable for the introduction of bus franchising, which will see:

  • Regulated buses first introduced in Bolton and Wigan, as well as parts of Salford and west Manchester from next autumn (2023).
  • Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and areas of north Manchester to follow in spring 2024.
  • Final tranche covering Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, south Manchester and remaining parts of Salford to run by end of 2024.

Mr Burnham also announced that Greater Manchester is moving to the next stage of franchising bus services.

Invitations to negotiate will be issued shortly to prospective providers of bus services in Bolton and Wigan, as well as in parts of Salford and west Manchester.

The GMCA said that the levels of interest have been extremely strong, bringing a range of organisations from local SMEs through to large bus operators with operational experience throughout the UK, including London, and in some cases internationally.

Commenting, Andy Burnham said:

“The court ruling means we now have the green light to deliver on our plans to deliver a London-style public transport system.

“We will make travelling by public transport more appealing, easier and, significantly, put our people before profits.

“Government has signalled its intention to support our ambitions many times over and we now need them to work in partnership with us, to help us turn our shared vision into a reality.”

Transformed bus services is a key pillar of the Bee Network vision, which aims to:

  • Provide ‘real’ public transport and active travel choices for all.
  • Promote sustainable travel behavioural change through integrated city region planning.
  • Support the electrification of vehicles and public transport fleets.
  • Promote levelling up through the provision of sustainable transport connectivity to key growth locations.
  • The provision of affordable public transport options for all communities.

Greater Manchester will also have a new Transport Commissioner, with former Transport for London (TfL) Managing Director of Customers, Communication and Technology, Vernon Everitt, set to take a leading role in the delivery of the Bee Network.

Commenting, Mr Everitt said:

“It is a privilege to be given the responsibility to help write the next chapter of Greater Manchester’s ambitious and truly transformational transport story.

“The Bee Network vision sets out a compelling plan for better transport and I will bring all my experience to the table to ensure we deliver it.

“Our integrated transport network will unlock access to opportunity and public services, and drive reduced carbon emissions and improved wellbeing, benefitting everyone who lives, works or visits here.

“I look forward to working with the Mayor, councils, transport operators and people across Greater Manchester to deliver a world class public transport system.”

Subject to agreement with the government, the Bee Network will be supported by an initial £1.2bn five-year programme of investment, with £438m worth of investment to improve buses, routes and services.

At the event, Mr Burnham also announced Dame Sarah Stoney as the region’s new Active Travel Commissioner.

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