Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt CBE and Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey will remain in their roles as Greater Manchester enters the next phase of the Bee Network rollout, Mayor Bev Craig has announced.
The confirmation marks a significant vote of confidence in the pair who have played a central role in delivering one of the most ambitious transport reforms seen outside London in recent decades.
Since taking up their commissioner posts in 2022, Everitt and Storey have helped shape and deliver the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s integrated public transport and active travel system. The network has transformed how residents move around the city region by bringing together buses, trams, cycling and walking routes, with rail services set to join from December.
The announcement comes as Greater Manchester continues to build on the success of bus franchising. In January 2025, the city region became the first area outside London to regain control of its bus services, enabling greater integration, simpler ticketing and improved passenger experiences.
As Greater Manchester looks ahead, both commissioners will work alongside Mayor Bev Craig to secure further investment and deliver improvements that support residents, businesses and economic growth across all ten boroughs.
Mayor Craig said the pair had been instrumental in delivering a transport system that is more connected, affordable and accessible for local communities.
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Vernon and Sarah have been such driving forces behind the success of the Bee Network to date. Together, they’ve helped deliver major progress toward our goal of creating the joined-up public transport system that the communities of Greater Manchester deserve.
“I’m committed to going even further - growing the Bee Network to better connect people to jobs, services, friends and family. So much so that on my first day as Mayor I announced that we’ll extend Our Pass to also give free bus travel to 11 to 16-year-olds from January.
“I’m so pleased Vernon and Dame Sarah have both agreed to continue in their commissioner roles and will be by my side as we write the next chapter of the Bee Network’s story.”
The Bee Network continues to be a cornerstone of Greater Manchester’s long-term transport strategy, bringing buses, trams, walking, wheeling and cycling routes under a single, integrated framework, with rail services due to become part of the network from December.
During his tenure as Transport Commissioner, passenger numbers have increased, bus reliability has improved and customer satisfaction levels have risen. Integrated fares and ticketing have also made travel easier and more affordable for residents.
Everitt’s contribution to public transport was recognised nationally when he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours List.
Vernon Everitt said:
“It is a great privilege to continue serving Greater Manchester as Transport Commissioner, helping to build a more integrated, affordable and reliable public transport system, and securing the investment we need to match the city-region’s growth.
“I look forward to working with the new Mayor to keep improving services and bringing rail into the Bee Network to connect more people to jobs, education and opportunities.”
His focus will now turn to integrating rail services into the Bee Network and ensuring Greater Manchester continues to build a seamless, London-style public transport system.
Dame Sarah Storey will also remain in post as Active Travel Commissioner, continuing her work to encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.
Her leadership has supported major investment in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, the introduction of new School Streets, expanded access to community cycling initiatives and the growth of the Starling cycle hire scheme.
The impact has been significant, with more than 700 million active travel journeys recorded across Greater Manchester during 2025.
Widely recognised as Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian, Storey retired from competitive sport earlier this year after securing 30 Paralympic medals, including 19 golds, across nine Games and two sporting disciplines.
Dame Sarah Storey said:
“It’s been a privilege to shape the progress of Greater Manchester and I’m looking forward to working with Bev as Mayor to build on what we’ve achieved so far. We’ll help more people to feel confident to choose walking and cycling for everyday journeys around Greater Manchester.
“Our streets and roads are at the heart of our communities, and everyone should feel safe when using them – whether on the walk to school or cycling to the local park. There’s always more to do and I’m committed to making our streets safer and more welcoming.”
With the Bee Network continuing to expand and greater investment expected in active travel infrastructure, Storey’s experience is expected to remain central to Greater Manchester’s ambition of creating healthier, safer and more sustainable communities.
Image credit: iStock
