Realising the Bee Network Vision
Greater Manchester has heralded a new era in public transport after bringing all of its bus services into the Bee Network this month. Becoming the first area in England to complete the re-regulation of buses is an historic moment for Greater Manchester – and beyond. To mark the completion of this complex transition – which...
Out now: Issue 328 of Passenger Transport
Issue 328 of Passenger Transport is published on January 10. Contents include: LEAD STORY ‘Blazing a trail for the future of bus services’ As the snow fell on January 5, the third and final tranche of Greater Manchester’s buses joined the publicly-controlled Bee Network. A landmark moment for buses in the region, and...
‘Blazing a trail for the future of bus services’
As the snow fell on January 5, the third and final tranche of Greater Manchester’s buses joined the publicly-controlled Bee Network. A landmark moment for buses in the region, and beyond Following a phased approach, all bus services in Greater Manchester – totalling 577 routes, 1,600 buses and accounting for more than 160...
Concerns raised over impact of open access
Heidi Alexander suggests operators are not paying their way Alexander: ‘Open access can create pressure on the network’ Rail Partners has responded to a letter from transport secretary Heidi Alexander urging the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to adopt stricter criteria for approving new open access rail applications. Alexander’s letter to ORR...
West Midlands lifts the lid on franchising plans
Consultation is the first step that could see the first bus services in the West Midlands under public control by 2027. Andrew Garnett reports Richard Parker launched the consultation in Coventry West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has launched a consultation on plans to franchise the region’s bus network. The consultation will remain open...
My hopes and fears for the New Year
Will rail price itself out of existence? Will England’s bus users bulk at £3 fares? Will small businesses be squeezed out? We will see Commemorative rail coin 1825-2025 (credit: The Royal Mint) UK Rail, 1825-2025 2025 is the 200th anniversary of the railway in the UK, but could this be the year...
‘We’re blazing a trail for buses’
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham hails a landmark moment for buses in his city region Bringing all buses in Greater Manchester under local control is a huge milestone – but it’s not a case of ‘job done’ Last week Greater Manchester became the first place in the country to take its bus...
The road to the Bee Network
The journey to bus franchising in Greater Manchester. Andrew Garnett reports Franchising allowed Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure better coordination with other transport modes The decision to franchise buses in Greater Manchester was not isolated but developed over decades of policy debate and legislative change. It emerged as a powerful tool for...
‘The benefits are starting to flow’
Vernon Everett, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, answers our questions about the city’s Bee Network With over 40 years’ experience, Vernon advises the Mayor of Greater Manchester on developing an integrated public transport network alongside more active travel facilities What enticed you to take on this role? Greater Manchester is an exciting and...
A partnership in innovation
Ticketer has been small but critical cog in a complex change process, and is ready to help others Jason Mann, Ticketer director of product, and Tom Wilsher, Ticketer head of product management, overseeing the tranche one rollout Establishing a successful bus franchising solution involves multiple components, but the cornerstone of its success undoubtedly...
A vision for a greener future
Wrightbus is helping places like Greater Manchester on their transition to sustainable transport Wrightbus delivered an average of 22 buses a week to operators throughout 2024 With more than 160 new Wrightbus vehicles going into service across the Bee Network at the start of this year, we understand the importance of keeping...
Transport’s three malign influences