Bus fares to be capped at £2 per journey under Bee Network reforms

Bus fares across Greater Manchester will be capped at £2 per journey as part of Andy Burnham’s reform of local public transport.

The Greater Manchester Mayor has promised to deliver a “London-style” low-carbon, fully-integrated public transport system – the Bee Network – across buses, trams, trains and bikes.

At least 30 bus operators compete for business across Greater Manchester, with single fares often costing upwards of £4.

Under the Bee Network, single journeys will cost no more than £2 whilst children’s single fares will be capped at £1.

The announcement comes after a legal challenge brought by bus operators against the region’s bus franchising plans was dismissed.
 

Read more: Burnham hails bus ruling as ‘green light’ for North of EnglandPublished: 10 March 2022

Mr 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.”

 

 

Regulated Bee Network buses will be introduced in Bolton and Wigan from next autumn, as well as parts of Salford and west Manchester.

Rochdale, Bury, Oldham and areas of north Manchester will follow in spring 2024 before the final tranche covering Stockport, Trafford, Tameside, south Manchester and remaining parts of Salford by the end of 2024.

Greater Manchester is the first region outside London to have brought buses back into public control in over 30 years.

Former Transport for London (TfL) Managing Director of Customers, Communication and Technology, Vernon Everitt, has been appointed as the new Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester and will take a leading role in the delivery of the Bee Network.

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.”