Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester, reflects on a 25-year record of connecting communities
Stagecoach hosted a special lineup of heritage livery buses ahead of the changeover to the Bee Network
For over 25 years, Stagecoach Manchester has been at the heart of the city’s transport network, playing an essential role in shaping the region’s landscape. Millions of passengers have relied on Stagecoach to get them where they need to be, whether it’s for work, study, or leisure. With a fleet of more than 1,000 buses, we’ve seamlessly connected communities, supported local economies, and ensured travel is both reliable and accessible across Greater Manchester. It’s something the entire team is incredibly proud of!
At the core of Stagecoach’s mission, there has always been a commitment to providing exceptional service while innovating to meet the evolving needs of the transport industry, and of course, servicing one of Britain’s busiest cities hasn’t come without its challenges. However, we’ve watched this city grow and develop into the incredible place that it is today since we first arrived in 1996.
As the changeover to the Bee Network kicks off and we reach this pivotal moment in Manchester’s transport history, we can’t help but look back at the role we’ve played in the city’s development. From the Commonwealth Games to the development of MediaCity, Stagecoach Manchester has been an integral part of the fabric of daily life, with services like the Magic Bus becoming an iconic symbol of affordable and accessible travel. We remain committed to delivering the same excellent service passengers know and trust going forward.
The Bee Network itself will offer passengers an integrated approach to travel across Greater Manchester
As we hand over the keys to the Bee Network, we’re delighted that 1,600 of our dedicated drivers and staff will remain on board, ensuring that our high standards of service continue. The Bee Network itself will offer passengers an integrated approach to travel across Greater Manchester, promising unified services and connectivity, bringing exciting new changes to the city. We’re delighted to be playing a part in that too.
While Stagecoach Manchester’s physical presence may be transitioning, the company’s impact will remain. I feel that Stagecoach Manchester has earned its place in the city’s transport history, becoming a vital player in the region’s transport network. While our services evolve under the Bee Network, it’s great to know that we’ll still be driving forward the growth of this iconic and vibrant city. Since its establishment in 1996, Stagecoach Manchester has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s public transport landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the communities it has served.
A journey down memory lane:
1996: A bold beginning
The acquisition of Greater Manchester Buses South (GMBS) marked the foundation of Stagecoach Manchester. This £40.7m investment allowed Stagecoach to expand its operations significantly in the Greater Manchester region. At the time, Stagecoach managed a fleet of 630 buses and provided employment for 1,850 staff.
2000: The Beach Ball era
Just four years later, Stagecoach introduced the famous Beach Ball livery, a colourful design that quickly became synonymous with the business nationwide. It symbolised Stagecoach’s commitment to becoming a recognisable and trusted part of transport infrastructure.
2006: The Magic Bus
In 2006, the Magic Bus brand was launched along the Wilmslow Road corridor, providing affordable and accessible travel options for students and commuters. Operating on the ever-popular route 192, the Magic Bus became an iconic symbol of Stagecoach’s dedication to serving the city with convenience and value.
2019: Partnering with communities
Stagecoach Manchester’s partnership with Forever Manchester in 2019 marked a milestone in its dedication to supporting
local communities.
2020: Leading the charge in sustainability
Stagecoach Manchester took a bold step towards sustainability by unveiling Greater Manchester’s first double-decker electric buses. This £16.5m investment not only reduced emissions but also set a precedent for greener public transportation.
2022: Honouring service
In 2022, Stagecoach demonstrated its support for active service personnel and veterans by introducing a special Armed Forces Covenant livery bus.
2023: Celebrating 25 years
As Stagecoach Manchester marked its 25th anniversary, it paid tribute to 30 of its longest-serving staff members with a specially designed livery. This celebration highlighted the people who have been the backbone of its operations.
2024: Giving back
The commitment to community continued into 2024, with Stagecoach Manchester raising over £2,500 for Forever Manchester, further cementing the legacy of service and support for local charities.
This story appears inside the latest issue of Passenger Transport.
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