Map reveals plans for Bee Network trains in Greater Manchester
Mayor Andy Burnham wants to bring the entire network under public control by 2030
Nearly 100 Greater Manchester railway stations will be served by yellow Bee Network trains by 2030, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed.
Andy Burnham made a major announcement on Tuesday (January 21) in which he confirmed he will take rail services into public control in a similar manner to the buses. Bus franchising completed on January 5.
He is promising simpler fares, eventually integrated with bus and tram tickets in a ‘tap-in, tap out’ system, and better services.
Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, called it an ‘ambitious plan’. He added: “We have demonstrated what can be done with greater local control and accountability for tram, bus and active travel.
“With a more seamless and integrated experience for passengers, more people will choose the train for commuting and leisure, helping reduce the call on public subsidy for rail. This plan also needs to be developed in parallel with national reform of rail, with a clearly defined role for mayoral combined authorities in the running of services. We look forward to working closely with the government to finalise those arrangements.”
The announcement also outlined the timetable for introducing Bee Network trains, and where they will run.
Its first phase, set for December 2026, will take over lines from Manchester Piccadilly to Hadfield, Glossop, and Rose Hill Marple. Phase one will also take over the Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge route.
The second phase, eyed for December 2027, includes the Piccadilly-Airport line, Piccadilly-Cheadle Hulme route, and Piccadilly-Middlewood track.
The final phase, earmarked for March to December 2028, is the largest. It will see TfGM take over city centre stations, as well as routes from town to Appleby Bridge, Wigan North Western, Hindley, and Rochdale.
New maps released with the announcement also show Bee Network trains will serve a new £32 million station in Golborne, after the government approved its outline business case.
The phasing of the plan sees 64 stations ‘join the Bee Network’ by 2028, with a further 32 coming in two years later, taking the total to 96.