A yellow bee network bus with the text 'say yellow to your buses'

From September 2023, bus services across Greater Manchester will start to be brought under local control.

Before then, you might start to see some buses turning yellow.

For now, there are no major changes to bus services and standards in Greater Manchester. The only change you might see is a splash of yellow.

The first bus services will come under local control in Wigan and Bolton, as well of parts of Salford, Manchester and Bury.

In the meantime, if you have any issues, continue to get in touch with your usual bus operator. You can find their contact details here.

We’ll keep you posted on any changes.

A yellow bee network bus outside bolton council building

Bringing buses back under local control

Buses are being brought under local control which means that buses will be run for you, the passenger, as part of a joined up public transport network, the Bee Network.

Bee Network buses will be introduced gradually between 24 September 2023 and January 2025.

Local control of buses means that we will be able to plan services with:

  • Simpler fares and ticketing, and a price cap so no one pays more than they need to.
  • Modern, attractive, accessible, low emission buses.
  • World class safety and customer service standards.
  • Real time information at your fingertips.

Find out more about Bee Network buses:

Image of a passenger using a wheelchair in a bus station with all buses yellow in the background.

Better buses

From September 2023, we start to have more control over our bus network. That means we will be responsible for decisions about where buses run, how often and at what times.

Find out how we will improve bus services
Woman getting on the bus paying lower bus fares

Low bus fares

Make the most of lower bus fares. Single journeys cost £2 for adults and £1 for children. A day of unlimited travel costs £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

Take a closer look at the new reduced fares
Bee Network yellow buses on a yellow background

Timeline for better buses

Because of the size of the bus network, and the scale of change, improvements will be made in phases from September 2023 through to January 2025.

Find out when services change in your area

Sub Area Map

Decision Notice

S123I Notice
S123I Notice(.pdf)

Ward franchise maps

Bolton
Bury
Manchester
Oldham
Rochdale
Salford
Stockport
Tameside
Trafford
Wigan