An environment to flourish and learn
With its own bespoke academy, ‘if you want to be an apprentice engineer within the bus industry, First Bus is the place to be’ New First Bus engineering apprentice cohort 2024 First Bus is proud to offer engineering apprenticeships as our commitment to developing future talent and bridging the skills gap in...
Trailblazing apprenticeships – and stotties
Open access rail companies are proving the industry isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, Karl Holbrook explores how Lumo and Hull Trains are breaking down barriers, boosting diversity, and bringing fresh perspectives to rail… Apprenticeship success stories: Sam Bentley (left) and Mark Rudd The rail industry has often been seen as a...
Green technology, green skills
Fast-growing Wrightbus employs more than 70 apprentices, and is aiming to recruit a further 60 Wrightbus chief executive Jean-Marc Gales (left) with apprentice recruits Apprentices are part of the lifeblood of Wrightbus – the innovative Northern Ireland-based manufacturer that is one of the leading names in zero-emission transport technology. Wrightbus is one...
Celebrating apprenticeships
The passenger transport sector is showcasing success in delivering apprenticeships ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 LNER apprentice train driver Aleena Phull Key players in the passenger transport sector will use National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (February 10-16) to showcase the work they are doing to attract new talent and develop their skills....
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...
‘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...
A legacy that helped to shape the city
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...
UK Bus Awards 2024 ‘Big Book of Big Winners’
The UK Bus Awards 2024 presentation ceremony took place in London in November, and you can read all about the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in this official Souvenir Brochure. Click on the image below to view The Big Book of Big Winners 2024. If you are viewing the site on a tablet or...
