Greater Manchester bus franchising takes big step forward as operators sought

Greater Manchester has taken the next big step towards taking buses under public control after calling for operators to run services in Wigan and Bolton.

The region is to become the first outside the capital to operate a ‘game-changing’ London-style system.

Franchised buses will form the cornerstone of the Bee Network – an integrated transport system scheduled to be fully up and running by 2024.

Bus franchising will be rolled out in three phases. The first – which is set to become operational in summer 2023 – will be delivered in the north west of Greater Manchester.

And expressions of interest are now being sought from operators interested in running services in the boroughs of Bolton and Wigan.

The landmark decision was made by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham earlier this year and represents the biggest shake-up to public transport in the region for more than 30 years.
 

Read more: Mayor of Greater Manchester makes landmark decision for city-region to be first outside London to have local control over busesPublished: 25 March 2021

Mr Burnham said: “It will be game-changing for Greater Manchester and that is why I am so keen to get the next stage of this procurement process underway and why I have asked TfGM to work with the government to explore options to accelerate the delivery of franchising across Greater Manchester to 2024.

“The people of Greater Manchester deserve better bus services and I look forward to hearing from partners in the bus industry who share our vision of delivering the joined-up transport network we need.”

The Bee Network aims to deliver seamless ‘end-to-end’ journeys, connecting buses, trams and hire bikes in order to make public transport more accessible and affordable.

Customers will also benefit from a single ticket covering all modes of transport as well as a ‘one-stop shop’ for travel information and customer support.

The transport network will also sport a unified look and feel which is easy to spot and ‘binds the system together’.

The procurement process will be run in line with Greater Manchester’s ‘social value framework – with operators being asked how they will provide opportunities for young people, work with businesses and help to clean up the air.

 

 

Mr Burnham added: “Good public transport is essential for any successful city-region, and buses form the backbone of Greater Manchester’s transport network.

“In order to get the best from our bus services, and support not only passengers but also the wider communities they serve, I took the decision to franchise services and bring them back under public control.

“That means Greater Manchester will be the only area outside London to have that level of local control and the passenger benefits are substantial.

“It means integrated services as part of a joined-up network, simpler fares and ticketing, a price cap so no one pays more than they need to, a better customer service offer and a single look for the whole network.”

He continued: “The Bee Network will provide access to jobs, education and skills, help us level up communities, cut air pollution and reduce congestion as well as attracting investment to Greater Manchester.”

Once franchising is in place TfGM and GMCA will be responsible for the design of the bus network and will specify the frequency of bus services.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter