There’s a public transport revolution going on in Manchester right now. Or should we say, devolution. Greater Manchester is taking back control over its transport and is on track to become the UK’s first fully integrated public transport system outside of London. It took back power over its buses in 2023 and now its announced that this time next year, it’ll be adding trains to the network.
Local rail services will be integrated into Manchester’s Bee Network next year. What does that mean exactly? Well, it means that stations across the Greater Manchester area will adopt new branding and introduce contactless tap in, tap out payments with weekly fare caps.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says that 17 stations along the Glossop and Stalybridge lines will be incorporated in the network from December 13 2026, with more to follow in 2027 and 2028. TfGM plans to run more and later rail services on lines to Manchester airport, Alderley Edge in Cheshire and Rochdale in 2027, and from January 28, eight rail lines and 64 stations across the region will be fully integrated with Bee Network buses and trams. The remaining 32 will join by 2030.
Ahead of the integration, TfGM will now allow passengers to have their tickets accepted across bus, tram and train in times of disruption.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: ‘With one year to go until rail joins the Bee Network, we are on the cusp of delivering a fully integrated, world-class transport system for our global city-region. These changes will make everyday journeys easier and open up new opportunities for people across Greater Manchester.
‘This is just the beginning—more rail lines will follow in 2027 and 2028, as we continue our journey to make travel safer, easier and better connected to local communities, so people feel they are getting good value for money.’
ICYMI: All the exciting new train services launched in the UK’s new rail timetable this week.
Plus: British trains are getting a huge redesign.
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