Say Yellow to the Bee Network

Don’t worry, we’re not making too many changes to your bus services. Most services in Greater Manchester will stay the same for now.

In Bolton, Wigan and parts of Bury, Salford and Manchester, some buses are joining the Bee Network from 24 September.

Routes and numbers will largely be the same, or improved. You can see all the new timetables for buses joining the Bee Network.

You can also download the new Bee Network app now at the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Use it now to:

• Get live departure times for nearby bus, tram and train stops and stations.
• Buy tram tickets.
• Buy Bee AnyBus and Bee AnyBus + Tram tickets from 24 September. 
• Rate Your Journey.

We’re improving bus services in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Bury, Salford and Manchester straight away.

The first Bee Network bus services will come under local control in these areas on 24 September.

Most routes and numbers will stay the same. But from day one you’ll see:

• More daytime and weekend services on some routes.
• Earlier and later buses on some routes so more people can connect to the first or last tram or train of the day.
• 50 new zero-emission electric buses.
• 30 more TravelSafe Officers to help keep you safe.
• A range of new tickets to make travel even more affordable for bus and tram across Greater Manchester.

You can see a full list of bus services joining the Bee Network (with timetables) from 24 September.

The new Bee Network app is now available to download from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. You can use it to: 

• Get live departure times for nearby bus, tram and train stops and stations.
• Buy tram tickets.
• Buy Bee AnyBus and Bee AnyBus + Tram tickets from 24 September. 
• Rate Your Journey.

In time we will roll out more features, making the Bee Network app the one-stop shop for public transport in Greater Manchester.

Make sure you download the official Bee Network app. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store may contain apps with similar names and suggested features.

You’re on our new website right now! We hope you like the new look and features. Here you can:

• Easily find the bus, tram, train ticket or travel pass for you.
• Use the journey planner.
• Check travel alerts and see any affected bus and tram journeys.
• See live departure times for all buses, trams and trains.
• See bus timetables and tram schedules.
• Report any property lost on the Bee Network or find out which operator to contact.
• Contact the Bee Network customer team.
• Rate Your Journey.

We’re committed to keeping fares as low as possible. New low bus fares have now been extended to September 2024, meaning that people in Greater Manchester will pay no more than: 

• £2 for an adult single fare, £1 for a child. 
• £5 to travel all-day by any bus, £2.50 for a child. 
• £21 to travel by any bus for seven days, £10.50 for a child.

A new range of bus and Metrolink tram tickets (Bee AnyBus + Tram) is also being introduced from 24 September and will be up to 20% cheaper compared to paying separately for bus and tram journeys.

Our six Customer Commitments have been developed with local people. We’re committed to delivering a Bee Network that is: 

• Safe: We will create a safe and secure network.
• Accessible: Everyone can use us.
• Affordable: We will keep the cost of travel as low as possible.
• Reliable: We will deliver a reliable network.
• Sustainable: We will take the lead in creating a greener, healthier Greater Manchester. 
• Accountable: We will use your feedback to shape the Bee Network.

You can read all about them and find out what to expect from the Bee Network here.

You’ll see our Customer Commitments across the Bee Network. There’ll be a QR code linking to the new rate your journey survey so you can quickly tell us how your journey was (by bus, tram, train, walking, cycling or wheeling).

And of course, you can still comment on your journey by phone or in writing too. 

Be sure to let us know if we’re living up to our commitments and help us deliver a better Bee Network.

Be sure to let us know if we’re living up to our commitments and help us deliver a better Bee Network.

We want your journey to be safe and enjoyable. 30 new TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers are joining the Bee Network from 24 September 2023 to:

• Patrol Bee Network bus services, interchanges and bus stations.
• Support passengers and staff.
• Offer reassurance and help to address antisocial behaviour.
• Offer customer support and carry out ticket inspections.

The team will expand their operations as the Bee Network rolls out and will be patrolling all bus services, stations and interchanges by 2025.

Through the Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership, we’re already having real success in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour on the public transport network.

You can help by reporting incidents quickly and discreetly to a live GMP call handler from your smartphone on the Live Chat service.

The Bee Network, a world-class transport system under local control, arrives on 24 September.

• Easier than ever to get around by bus, tram, train, bike and on foot.
• Simple low fares and flexible tickets, so you never pay more than you need to.
• Easier to plan and pay for your journey.
• Accessible, reliable and sustainable for everyone.

The Bee Network will answer to you, the passenger: with clear Customer Commitments and lots of ways to tell us what you think.

From 24 September, bus services will be under local control in Bolton and Wigan, and parts of Salford, Bury and Manchester.

In most cases, Bee Network buses will run on the same routes as existing services, and at the same times.

We’re introducing some service improvements straight away, including:

• More frequent services on some routes.
• Early and late buses on routes connecting to trams and trains, so more people can catch the first or last tram or train of the day.

And there will be other changes and improvements:

• 50 new zero-emission electric buses.
• A range of value for money tickets for Bee Network services.
• Launch of the new Bee AnyBus + Tram tickets (available for use on all Greater Manchester buses, not just Bee Network services).
• New Bee Network app, website and social media channels.
• New Bee Network Customer Contact Centre.
• New Customer Commitments and easier ways to give feedback, including the new Rate Your Journey service.

18 September 2023:

• New Bee Network app, website and social media channels launch.
• All Metrolink tickets sold on the get me there app available on the Bee Network app.
• Get live departure times for bus, tram and train services in one place on the Bee Network app.
• Rate Your Journey service on the Bee Network app and website.
• Use the new Bee Network website to easily find the right bus or tram ticket, check travel alerts and see any affected bus and tram journeys.

24 September 2023:

• Bee Network bus services launch in Bolton and Wigan, and parts of Manchester, Salford and Bury.
• Bee Network Customer Contact Centre opens.
• New Bee AnyBus and Bee AnyBus + Tram ticket available to buy on the Bee Network app and via retail channels.
• You will be able to buy the following Bee AnyBus products:
• Bee AnyBus, 1, 7, 28 day – Adult, Child
• Bee AnyBus, 7 & 28 day – Young Person/Student
• Bee AnyBus + Tram, 1, 7, 28 day – Adult, Child.

24 March 2024: Bee Network bus services launch in Oldham, Rochdale, and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester.

2025: Contactless rail trial on services from Stalybridge to Manchester Victoria; and Glossop to Manchester Piccadilly.

5 January 2025: Bee Network bus services on routes in Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and the remaining parts of Manchester and Salford.

From 2030: Local trains join the Bee Network.

It’s the biggest change to how buses are run for around 40 years. It’ll mean higher standards for passengers, including:

• Simple, low fares and ticketing: Including a price cap on fares.
• Best in class buses: Modern, attractive and accessible, with a fleet of 50 zero-emission electric buses from day one.
• World-class standards: For safety and customer service.
• Easy to understand information: With a new app, website, improved journey planner and live departure information at your fingertips.

We’re starting to bring bus services in Greater Manchester under local control.

Buses will be run for you, the passenger, as part of a joined up public transport network called the Bee Network. We will:

• Decide where buses run, how often and at what times.
• Choose which bus operators run services.
• Set targets for buses to be reliable, run on time, and meet high standards.
• Offer low, flexible fares that work for you and open up new journey opportunities.
• Take action if bus operators don’t meet our standards.

All Greater Manchester bus services will be part of the Bee Network by January 2025.

For the first time in 40 years, Bee Network bus services will start running under local control on routes in Bolton, Wigan, and parts of Salford, Bury and Manchester. You can see a full list of Bee Network bus routes.

Go North West will run most Bee Network bus services in Wigan and Bolton. Diamond will run Bee Network bus services in Salford and parts of Bolton and Wigan.

We’re improving bus services in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Bury, Salford and Manchester straight away. The first Bee Network bus services will come under local control in these areas on 24 September.

Most routes and numbers will stay the same. But from day one you’ll see:

• More daytime and weekend services on some routes.
• Earlier and later buses on some routes connecting to trams and trains, so more people can catch the first or last tram or train of the day.
• 50 new zero-emission electric buses.
• 30 more TravelSafe Officers to help keep you safe.
• A range of new tickets to make travel even more affordable for bus and tram across Greater Manchester.

You can see a full list of bus services joining the Bee Network (with timetables) from 24 September.

We’re rolling out the Bee Network across Greater Manchester in stages:

• From 24 September 2023: The first bus services will come under local control in Bolton and Wigan, as well of parts of Salford, Manchester and Bury. See a full list of Bee Network bus routes.
• From 31 March 2024: Bus services in the Bury, Rochdale and Oldham areas as well as north Manchester.
• From 5 January 2025: South Manchester, Stockport, Trafford, Tameside and the rest of Salford.

From 24 September Go North West will run most Bee Network bus services in Wigan and Bolton. Diamond will run Bee Network bus services in Salford and parts of Bolton and Wigan.

We’ll let you know when we have appointed bus operators to run Bee Network services in other areas.

We’re going as fast as we can to improve bus services.

But Greater Manchester has a huge bus network. And bringing it under local control is a massive change to the ways things are run.

It takes time to prepare the contracts. To invite bus operators to bid for routes. To choose the best operators, appoint them, and give them time to prepare.

So we’re doing it in three stages to get it right. All buses in Greater Manchester will be part of the Bee Network by January 2025.

Most school services across Greater Manchester will be very similar to the last school year.

But there could be small changes in areas where school services joined the Bee Network on 4 September.

That includes Bolton, Wigan and parts of Salford and Bury.

84 school bus services (running to 31 schools) in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Salford and Bury joined the Bee Network at the start of the September term.

More school services in these areas are set to join the Bee Network on 24 September. Your child will be able to use them as normal:

• Your school service will still have the same number.
• Timetables may be slightly different to meet new school start and finish times.
• Your bus service may have a new operator and some buses will be yellow and have Bee Network logos.

At the moment, your child will need to pay with cash on the bus or buy a ticket in advance. Contactless payments will be available on the bus as soon as possible.

Weekly child tickets can be bought with cash or contactless from Travelshops/Ticket and information offices at interchanges and bus stations.

You can find the right ticket for your child on our website.

You can find timetables and plan your child's journey on our dedicated schools webpage.

We’ve already ordered 270 new, electric vehicles in Bee Network colours. 50 of these will start running from 24 September 2023, alongside other modern vehicles.

The new buses have been designed with help from passengers and representative groups like our Disability Design Reference Group. The design of the new buses will continue to be informed by feedback.

Buses already running in Greater Manchester will be upgraded over the next two years, with the aim that all Bee Network buses will eventually be:

• Yellow, featuring the Bee Network and bus operator logos.
• Modern and electric or low-emission, with USB-charging ports.
• Fully accessible, with ramps, wheelchair bays, hearing induction loops, anti-slip flooring and audio and visual announcement systems – including announcements of next stop and final destination, plus other features.
• Cleaned regularly to high standards.
• Under local control and run to high reliability and customer standards.

By 2025 all local buses will be best-in-class and have the Bee Network brand.

Most Bee Network buses will be easy to spot. They’re yellow! And you’ll see the Bee Network logo.

The fleet will include 50 brand new zero-emission electric buses and other buses being used by operators.

The 50 new buses will be yellow and carry the Bee Network brand from day one. But for a short time after the launch on 24 September, some buses might not have the full Bee Network branding.

While your bus may not have had a splash of yellow just yet, no matter what the colour of your vehicle, all Bee Network buses will meet high standards.

But there will be a sticker on board so you know it’s a Bee Network bus. And the drivers will have a Bee Network uniform.

We want your journey to be safe and enjoyable. Through the Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership we’re already taking an enforcement, engagement and education-led approach to make sure that it is.

30 new TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers will be joining the Bee Network from 24 September 2023 to:

• Patrol Bee Network bus services, interchanges and bus stations.
• Support passengers and staff.
• Offer reassurance and help to address antisocial behaviour.
• Offer customer support and carry out ticket inspections.

The team will expand their operations as the Bee Network rolls out and will be patrolling all bus services, stations and interchanges by 2025.

Through the Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership, we’re already having real success in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour on the public transport network. You can help.

It’s easy to report incidents quickly and discreetly to a live GMP call handler from your smartphone on the Live Chat service. They can help advise you and despatch the right response for the situation. Visit gmp.police.uk/livechat and start a chat using the message icon on the bottom left of the screen. Or call 101 – or 999 in an emergency.

The 50 new zero-emission electric buses will all have a QR code linking to GMP LiveChat on the back of all seats.

We can decide where and when Bee Network buses run. So we can make sure it’s easier and cheaper to get to where you want to go.

We’ll make sure buses link up with other transport systems like Metrolink, which is an accessibility-award-winning network.

50 fully inclusive electric buses will start running on the Bee Network from 24 September, alongside other modern vehicles. A further 50 are expected to come onboard in March 2024.

The buses have been designed with help from passengers and key groups like our Disability Design Reference Group. The design of the new buses will continue to be informed by feedback.

They will seat 62 passengers, have two wheelchair bays, hearing induction loops, audio and visual announcement systems (including next stop and final destination announcements) and anti-slip flooring.

Buses already running in Greater Manchester will be upgraded over the next two years. We want all Bee Network buses to be fully accessible.

We’re committed to keeping fares as low as possible.

New low bus fares have now been extended to September 2024, meaning that people in Greater Manchester will pay no more than:

• £2 for an adult single fare, £1 for a child.
• £5 to travel all-day by any bus, £2.50 for a child.
• £21 to travel by any bus for seven days, £10.50 for a child.

A new range of bus and Metrolink tram tickets (Bee AnyBus + Tram) is being introduced and will be up to 20% cheaper compared to paying separately for bus and tram journeys.

• The Bee AnyBus + Tram (Zones): 1, 7, 28 day – Adult, Child

Check back for more information soon.

The new Bee AnyBus + Tram ticket range will launch on 24 September.

It’ll mean great savings compared to buying the existing range of adult AnyBus and Metrolink tickets separately, including:

• 1-day anytime
• 1-day off peak
• 7-day
• 28-day

See a full list of costs and savings, including example journeys. You can also see the prices in the table below.

1-day anytime

Bee AnyBus + Any one zone (1,2,3,4)

• Current price = £7.70
• New price = £6
• Saving = £1.70

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (1+2) 

• Current price = £9.30
• New price = £7.30
• Saving = £2

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (2+3 or 3+4)

• Current price = £8.50
• New price = £6.70
• Saving = £1.80

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (1+2+3)

• Current price = £11.10
• New price = £8.70
• Saving = £2.40

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (2+3+4)

• Current price = £9.70
• New price = £7.60
• Saving = £2.10

Bee AnyBus + All Zones*

• Price = £9.50

1-day off peak

Bee AnyBus + Any one zone (1,2,3,4)

• Current price = £6.90
• New price = £5.40
• Saving = £1.50

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (1+2) 

• Current price = £8.50
• New price = £6.70
• Saving = £1.80

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (2+3 or 3+4)

• Current price = £8.10
• New price = £6.40
• Saving = £1.70

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (1+2+3)

• Current price = £9.30
• New price = £7.30
• Saving = £2

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (2+3+4)

• Current price = £8.90
• New price = £7
• Saving = £1.90

Bee AnyBus + All Zones*

• Price = £7.80

7-day

Bee AnyBus + Any one zone (1,2,3,4)

• Current price = £31.60
• New price = £24.80
• Saving = £6.80

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (1+2) 

• Current price = £38.60
• New price = £30.30
• Saving = £8.30

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (2+3 or 3+4)

• Current price = £36.20
• New price = £28.40
• Saving = £7.80

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (1+2+3)

• Current price = £46.10
• New price = £36.40
• Saving = £9.70

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (2+3+4)

• Current price = £41.40
• New price = £32.50
• Saving = £8.60

Bee AnyBus + All Zones*

• Price = £41

28-day

Bee AnyBus + Any one zone (1,2,3,4)

• Current price = £116.40
• New price = £91.40
• Saving = £25

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (1+2) 

• Current price = £140.20
• New price = £110.10
• Saving = £30.10

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (2+3 or 3+4)

• Current price = £132
• New price = £103.60
• Saving = £28.40

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (1+2+3)

• Current price = £164.20
• New price = £128.90
• Saving = £35.30

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (2+3+4)

• Current price = £149.60
• New price = £117.50
• Saving = £32.10

Bee AnyBus + All Zones*

• Price = £136

*Bee AnyBus + All Zones is an existing product providing savings compared to the current range of AnyBus and Metrolink tickets bought separately.

Example journeys

Take a look at how the new ticket will save you money on journeys across Greater Manchester. View some example journeys.

There’s a great range of value for money tickets for young people and children right now.

From 24 September you’ll be able to use them to travel on any bus, or any bus and tram.

Find the right ticket on our webpage.

Please note: Some school services in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Bury and Salford have joined the Bee Network already.

At the moment, your child will need to pay with cash on the bus or buy a ticket in advance. Contactless payments will be available on the bus as soon as possible.

Weekly child tickets can be bought with cash or contactless from Travelshops/Ticket and information offices at interchanges and bus stations.

You can plan your child's school journey on our website.

No. You will either need a Bee AnyBus ticket or a Bee Bus ticket to travel on Bee Network bus services.

Yes. There will be no changes to travel passes for younger people, older people, disabled people and care leavers.

This includes the igo, Our Pass, ENCTS older persons, disabled and disabled plus pass.

We know that not all journeys start or end in Greater Manchester. Where you get on or off your bus will affect the tickets you can use.

From 24 September, if you get on or off a Bee Network bus service at a bus stop outside Greater Manchester, you will need a Bee Bus ticket. These tickets will be valid on any Bee Network bus service:

• 1-day Bee Bus: £5 for adults / £2.50 for children
• 7-day Bee Bus: £21 for adults / £10.50 for children

See a full list of affected bus services/routes moving to the Bee Network.

You will be able to buy Bee Bus tickets on the bus, in Information and Ticket offices (Travelshops) at bus stations and interchanges, and online at beenetwork.com.

If you need to start or continue your journey outside of Greater Manchester on a non-Bee Network bus, you’ll will need to buy another ticket from that bus operator.

Single bus operator tickets won’t be valid on Bee Network services launching on Sunday 24 September.

Don’t worry if you have already bought a 28-day or monthly ticket that is valid beyond 24 September, your ticket will be accepted on Bee Network services until 28 October.

We recommend that next time you buy a ticket, you make the switch to the Bee AnyBus 28-day ticket. You can use these now on any bus in Greater Manchester, and on Bee Network buses in future. They are priced:

• £80 Adult
• £58 Young Person / Student
• £40 Child

28-day AnyBus tickets are available on the Bee Network app, on the bus or from Information and Ticket offices (Travelshops), at bus stations and interchanges, and from Paypoint outlets.

Find out if your bus service is joining the Bee Network on 24 September.

In a very small number of cases, the ticket for your journey may cost more than before. If this is the case for you, please find out more on this webpage.

Single bus operator tickets won’t be valid on Bee Network services launching Sunday 24 September.

Please don’t buy a single bus operator 7-day ticket after Sunday 17 September if you plan to use it on a service that will be part of the Bee Network from 24 September.

We recommend you buy the Bee AnyBus 7-day ticket instead, which can be used on Bee Network services and any bus in Greater Manchester.

These are priced at:

• £21 Adult
• £17 Young Person / Student
• £10.50 Child

7-day AnyBus tickets are available on the Bee Network app, on the bus or from Information and Ticket offices (Travelshops), at bus stations and interchanges, and from Paypoint outlets.

Don’t worry if you’ve already bought a 7-day single operator bus ticket that runs beyond 24 September. Bee Network bus drivers will accept this until 30 September 2023.

In a very small number of cases, the ticket for your journey may cost more than before. If this is the case for you, please find out more on this webpage.

Bus operator tickets won’t be valid on Bee Network services launching Sunday 24 September.

Please don’t buy a 1-day ticket after Sunday 24 September if you plan to use it on a service that will be part of the Bee Network from 24 September.

Instead, buy a:

• 1-day Bee AnyBus ticket costing £5 (adult) or £2.50 (child)
• Bee Bus single ticket costing £2 (adult) / £1 (child)

The Bee AnyBus ticket can be used on Bee Network services or any bus in Greater Manchester.

The Bee Bus single ticket is only valid for your Bee Network bus journey. Single tickets bought from other operators will continue to be valid on those services.

Find out if your bus service is joining the Bee Network on 24 September.

In a very small number of cases, the ticket for your journey may cost more than before. If this is the case for you, please find out more on this webpage.

We know money can be tight when you’re a student. But we’ve got some more great value tickets to help you get around.

You can now buy a NEW term time and annual ticket to travel on Bee Network buses only. (See if your bus is moving to the Bee Network).

• Term 1 Bee Bus (1 Sep to 31 Dec) £140
• All Terms Bee Bus (1 Sept to 30 June) £300

You can buy these tickets from our Information and Ticket Offices (Travelshops) at bus stations and interchanges now. From Sunday 24 September they will also be available to buy on the new Bee Network app and online.

If you’re a student aged 26 or under, you can already buy the following tickets to travel on any bus in Greater Manchester:

• 7-day AnyBus Student (£17)
• 28-day AnyBus Student (£58)

Most people will benefit from low bus fares, and the new flexible and affordable range of tickets being introduced for buses and trams from 24 September.

In a small number of cases, you may find that there is a price difference between your current single operator ticket, and the ticket you may need to use on Bee Network services.

If you can prove that you have previously paid less for a bus operator single ticket, return ticket, or 1-day, 7-day or 28-day single operator ticket, you will be able to apply for a complimentary Bee Bus ticket valid for use on Bee Network services only for a limited period of time.

While single operator bus tickets are subject to regular price increases, low Bee Network fares have been extended until September 2024.

Find out more about the changes.

The new Bee Network app is available to download now from the Google Play Store and the Apple App store.

You’ll be able to: 

• Get live departure times for nearby bus, tram and train stops and stations.
• Buy Metrolink tickets.
• Buy Bee AnyBus and Bee AnyBus + Tram tickets from 24 September. 
• Rate Your Journey.

In time we will roll out more features (including journey planning and disruption information), making the Bee Network app the one-stop shop for public transport in Greater Manchester.

You’re on our new website right now! We hope you like the new features. Here you can:

• Easily find the right bus or tram ticket for you.
• Check travel alerts and see any affected bus and tram journeys.
• Use the site more easily, with a fresh Bee Network look.
• Find timetables and live departure times for the Bee Network and all Greater Manchester buses.

From 24 September, you’ll be able to report any property lost on the Bee Network or find out which operator to contact.

Use our plan your journey tool. You can also call us on 0161 244 1000, or drop into an Information and Ticket office (Travelshop) at your local bus station or interchange for travel advice.

Your transport operator may also have a website and an app that provides more information about their services.

This could include fares information and live journey times.

Find your bus operator.

From 24 September, our Bee Network Customer Contact Centre will be up and running.

You’ll be able to contact us by email, phone and online if you lose something on the Bee Network. That will include Bee Network bus services and bus stops, as well as Bee Network interchanges and bus stations. More details will be available closer to the time.

For non-Bee Network services you can continue to contact the relevant transport operator.

Until 24 September, if you have lost or found something:

• On a bus: please contact the relevant bus operator. Find my bus operator.
• At a bus station, interchange or Information and Ticket office (Travelshop): please contact us at TfGM.
• On Metrolink, phone 0161 205 2000 or email customerservices@metrolink.co.uk.

Find out more at tfgm.com/lostproperty

Some Metrolink and TfGM social media channels have now changed.

If you already follow us, you don’t need to do anything.

If you want to follow us, search for the following and make sure it’s our transport related account, not one with a similar name.

• X (formerly Twitter): @officialtfgm has become @BeeNetwork
• X (formerly Twitter): @mcrmetrolink is no longer in use. Please follow @beenetwork
• Facebook: TfGM page has become ‘Bee Network’ )
• Instagram: @officialtfgm account has become @beenetworkgm
• YouTube: has become ‘Bee Network’
• TikTok: @officialtfgm channel has become @beenetworkgm

Our six Customer Commitments have been developed with local people. We’re committed to delivering a Bee Network that is: 

• Safe: We will create a safe and secure network.
• Accessible: Everyone can use us.
• Affordable: We will keep the cost of travel as low as possible.
• Reliable: We will deliver a reliable network.
• Sustainable: We will take the lead in creating a greener, healthier Greater Manchester. 
• Accountable: We will use your feedback to shape the Bee Network.

You can read all about them and find out what to expect from the Bee Network here.

We’re displaying our Customer Commitments across the Bee Network. You’ll see they have a QR code linking to the new, easy to use Rate Your Journey survey.

You can use it now to tell us quickly how your journey by bus, tram, train, cycling, walking or wheeling was.

And of course, you can still comment on your journey by phone or in writing too. 

Be sure to let us know if we’re living up to our commitments and help us deliver a better Bee Network.

Feel something isn’t up to scratch on your journey? Or have ideas to make it even better? We want to hear from you.

You’ll start to see ‘Rate Your Journey’ QR codes appear across the transport network. You can scan the QR code to give feedback about any bus, tram or train journey online.

This simple survey will help us see how we are doing and help shape future Bee Network improvements. You will also be able to get in touch with the new Bee Network Customer Contact Centre to tell us what you think about transport in Greater Manchester by phone (0161 244 1000) or online: Get in touch.

Outside of Bee Network bus service areas, you can also contact your bus operator directly. Find your bus operator.

You can also report any incidents quickly and discreetly to a live GMP call handler, from your smartphone. Visit gmp.police.uk/livechat or call 101 – or 999 in an emergency. The 50 new zero-emission electric buses will all have a QR code linking to GMP LiveChat on the back of all seats.

We’ll keep a very close eye on Bee Network services to make sure they are running as they should.

We also want to know what your experience is. So we’ll keep track of all customer feedback to see how you feel about the Bee Network.

And the Bee Network Committee will get regular reports on how the network is doing (see Operations and Governance FAQs.

Mayor Andy Burnham and local councillors will represent you on the Committee, help shape the Bee Network, and give any improvements the go ahead.

We’ve set high standards for Bee Network bus drivers, customer service and vehicles and to make sure services run on time and are safe, accessible and reliable. Bee Network bus operators who fall short will face fines or could lose the contract.

With 99 stops and a network of lines across Greater Manchester, the Metrolink tram system is a key part of the Bee Network.

There will be no changes to tram services for now.

But passengers will benefit from other Bee Network improvements like the new Bee Network app (available now for download from Google Play Store and the Apple App store), website, and the new Bee AnyBus + Tram tickets launching on 24 September.

The new Bee Network bus services will be planned to link up with Metrolink, local rail and the cycling and walking network to make it easier to get where you’re going.

We’re making some changes to where you get your Metrolink information and buy your tickets.

• The @MCRMetrolink account on X (formerly known as Twitter) will no longer be in use. From 18 September please follow @BeeNetwork.
• The Metrolink app will no longer be available from 18 September. But don’t worry, you can still get all your travel information at tfgm.com.

For live Metrolink updates visit tfgm.com/live-updates. You can still view the network map and live tram stop departure times as well.

You can also download the new Bee Network app from Google Play Store and the Apple App store. You’ll be able to use it to get live tram stop departure times and buy tickets.

In future we will have journey planning and disruption information on the Bee Network app too, making it a one-stop shop for all Metrolink information.

The new Bee AnyBus + Tram ticket range will launch on 24 September.

Tickets will cover travel on any bus and tram in Greater Manchester, priced according to the Metrolink zones you want to travel in:

• 1-day anytime
• 1-day off peak
• 7-day
• 28-day

It will be up to 20% cheaper compared to paying separately for bus and tram journeys.

From 24 September you will be able to buy these on tickets on the Bee Network app, from an Information and Ticket office (Travelshop) a Paypoint outlet, on bus, from an on-stop tram ticket machine, and online.

The new Bee AnyBus + Tram ticket range will launch on 24 September.

It’ll mean great savings compared to buying the existing range of adult AnyBus and Metrolink tickets separately.

See a full list of costs and savings, including example journeys. You can also see the prices in the table below.

1-day anytime

Bee AnyBus + Any one zone (1,2,3,4)

• Current price = £7.70
• New price = £6
• Saving = £1.70

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (1+2) 

• Current price = £9.30
• New price = £7.30
• Saving = £2

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (2+3 or 3+4)

• Current price = £8.50
• New price = £6.70
• Saving = £1.80

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (1+2+3)

• Current price = £11.10
• New price = £8.70
• Saving = £2.40

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (2+3+4)

• Current price = £9.70
• New price = £7.60
• Saving = £2.10

Bee AnyBus + All Zones*

• Price = £9.50

1-day off peak

Bee AnyBus + Any one zone (1,2,3,4)

• Current price = £6.90
• New price = £5.40
• Saving = £1.50

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (1+2) 

• Current price = £8.50
• New price = £6.70
• Saving = £1.80

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (2+3 or 3+4)

• Current price = £8.10
• New price = £6.40
• Saving = £1.70

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (1+2+3)

• Current price = £9.30
• New price = £7.30
• Saving = £2

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (2+3+4)

• Current price = £8.90
• New price = £7
• Saving = £1.90

Bee AnyBus + All Zones*

• Price = £7.80

7-day

Bee AnyBus + Any one zone (1,2,3,4)

• Current price = £31.60
• New price = £24.80
• Saving = £6.80

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (1+2) 

• Current price = £38.60
• New price = £30.30
• Saving = £8.30

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (2+3 or 3+4)

• Current price = £36.20
• New price = £28.40
• Saving = £7.80

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (1+2+3)

• Current price = £46.10
• New price = £36.40
• Saving = £9.70

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (2+3+4)

• Current price = £41.40
• New price = £32.50
• Saving = £8.60

Bee AnyBus + All Zones*

• Price = £41

28-day

Bee AnyBus + Any one zone (1,2,3,4)

• Current price = £116.40
• New price = £91.40
• Saving = £25

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (1+2) 

• Current price = £140.20
• New price = £110.10
• Saving = £30.10

Bee AnyBus + Two zones (2+3 or 3+4)

• Current price = £132
• New price = £103.60
• Saving = £28.40

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (1+2+3)

• Current price = £164.20
• New price = £128.90
• Saving = £35.30

Bee AnyBus + Three zones (2+3+4)

• Current price = £149.60
• New price = £117.50
• Saving = £32.10

Bee AnyBus + All Zones*

• Price = £136

*Bee AnyBus + All Zones is an existing product providing savings compared to the current range of AnyBus and Metrolink tickets bought separately.

Example journeys

Take a look at how the new ticket will save you money on journeys across Greater Manchester. View some example journeys.

The get me there app is being replaced by the new Bee Network app, available for download from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store from 18 September.

From 18 September, you can download the new Bee Network app and use it to:

• Buy Metrolink tickets 
• Get live departure times for bus and tram services in one place 
• View the location of the nearest bus or tram stops
• Rate Your Journey

From 24 September, the new Bee AnyBus + Tram tickets will also be available to purchase on the Bee Network app (and from Information and Ticket offices and PayPoint outlets).

You can now give feedback on any journey by public transport or on the cycling and walking network easily through the quick Rate Your Journey survey on the Bee Network app and website.

This simple survey will help us see how we are doing and help shape future Metrolink and Bee Network improvements.

You’ll also be able to contact us by email and phone as well.

There will be no changes to train services immediately.

Government has set out plans for city-regions like Greater Manchester to take more control over rail services in their areas, but this will take time to happen.

In 2025, we’ll be the first area outside London to trial contactless ‘touch-in/touch-out’ payment for some local train services in Greater Manchester.

Local rail services are expected to join the Bee Network by 2030.

Government has set out plans for city-regions like Greater Manchester to take more control over rail services in their areas, but this will take time to happen.

In March 2023, Greater Manchester took a big step forward by signing a new Trailblazer Deeper Devolution Deal with the government. This sets out a roadmap to fully integrate local rail services into the Bee Network by 2030.

To help support this ambition, Greater Manchester has been working closely with the Great British Railways Transition Team. We’re developing a first-of-a-kind partnership between the rail industry and a devolved authority.

The Partnership will focus on delivering the Trailblazer Deal and integrating rail into the Bee Network by 2030. So far, this has included:

• The contactless touch-in/touch-out travel on local train services.
• A stations charter looking at land value and regeneration opportunities across central Manchester.
• Looking at wider opportunities for the integration of rail services, stations, co-branding and making fares simpler.

The Bee Network will include the UK's largest cycling and walking network.

• We’re connecting every area and community in Greater Manchester with 1,800 miles of safe routes and 2,400 new crossings.
• Hire bikes and e-bikes are available in areas of Manchester, Salford and Trafford.

You can visit the Bee Active website for more information, including:

• Journey planning.
• Bee Network routes and schemes near you, or coming soon.
• Free training courses.
• Getting a bike of your own, borrowing one, or hiring a bike.
• Walking in your area.
• Local Cycle and Stride groups.

Cycle hire bikes are affordable and easy to use. You can pay as you ride or buy cheaper minute bundles.

The scheme is powered by Beryl and the bikes are available to hire via this app.

See more information on how to hire the bikes, including a video and FAQs.

Commercial operators will run Bee Network services. But they will be under local control and answer to you, the passenger.

• Phase One Bus: We have already contracted Go North West and Diamond to run the first Bee Network buses in Bolton and Wigan, and parts of Manchester, Salford and Bury from 24 September 2023.
• Phase Two Bus: The second phase of franchising will take place in Rochdale, Oldham, Bury and parts of Manchester, Salford and Tameside from 24 March 2024 and will be run by Stagecoach, First and Diamond.
• Metrolink trams: Keolis Amey Metrolink runs local tram services.
• Bike: The cycle hire scheme is powered by Beryl.
• Train: Local train services will join the Bee Network by 2030, so it’s too soon to say who will operate services.

Greater Manchester has a long history of campaigning for better bus services. Following direct pressure from Greater Manchester, the Bus Services Act 2017 was introduced.

This gave Mayors of city-regions the power to introduce a bus franchising scheme in their local areas.

In March 2021, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham decided to introduce a franchised network as the best way to improve local bus services in Greater Manchester.

This followed a major assessment of the existing bus network – and a 20-week long public consultation showing a high level of public support for the proposals.

Find all the reports summarising and setting out the response to the consultation on the GMCA website.

Under franchising, local bus services within Greater Manchester will be provided under three categories:

• Large contracts – ten contracts, each five years long (with the option to extend for two more years).
• Small contracts – approximately 25 contracts, each three years long.
• School service contracts – each three years long.

Increased local decision-making power and accountability will be at the heart of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.

The Greater Manchester Bee Network Committee will watch over and make decisions about the Bee Network.

The Committee is chaired by Mayor Andy Burnham and has one councillor from each of the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities. The Mayor has also chosen four more councillors to sit on the committee for political balance.

So your local authority councillors will be able to represent you – and have a say on services in your area.

The Bee Network Committee will look at quarterly bus performance data for the network. This will allow them to hold TfGM and operators to account for how well they are running the network. Looking at things like services turning up on time, safety and drivers and buses meeting high standards.

The Committee also monitors the rest of the transport and active travel network.

The Committee will be involved in regular Bee Network reviews, engagement and consultations.

Full details of meetings and reports are available, where you can also watch the Committee meetings live.

The Bee Network will transform the way we travel.

It’ll mean low fares, joined up services and cleaner transport. This means it will be much easier for many people to switch from the car to sustainable transport for some journeys.

By 2030 we aim to see a 30% increase in bus use, with 200 million Bee Network bus journeys a year. That’s potentially millions of car journeys off the road, reduced congestion and harmful emissions.

The 270 zero-emission buses on order for the Bee Network are battery-powered, so they produce no emissions.

50 of these buses will be on the network from 24 September. We’re expecting a further 50 to be delivered for the next phase of the Bee Network in March 2024, running in Oldham, Rochdale, and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester.

As the Bee Network is fully rolled out, and more zero-emission buses are introduced, people and communities will benefit from improved air quality with cleaner, greener buses running on more routes and roads across Greater Manchester. We have plans for a zero-emission bus fleet by 2032.

The Greater Manchester Bus Strategy includes many more measures to reduce congestion. These range from better management of road works, to traffic signal improvements.

As well as local control over buses, we’re delivering the largest cycling and walking network in the country, to encourage active travel for shorter journeys.