Chris Boardman, the Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner published documents in 2017 settings out plans.[3] The project would include 121 kilometres (75 mi) of segregated cycling lanes, brand new electric buses, around 2,900 kilometres (1,800 mi) of new dedicated walking and cycling routes, 2,400 new road crossings and a new cycle hire scheme throughout the region.[4][5]
Following on from the GMCA's decision to bring in a bus franchising scheme under the Bus Services Act 2017 in March 2021, the Bee Network concept was expanded to cover all forms of public transport - tram, bus and commuter rail - as well as active travel. The active travel component of the network was rebranded as the Bee Active Network.
One of the major policies of the Bee Network is making it easy, safe and attractive for people to travel on foot or by bike for everyday trips. A large focus is being put on to cycling in this project, therefore TfGM are investing money in many things that encourage cycling in combination with Local Authorities such as cycling infrastructure, Cycle hire scheme, Cycle hubs and many courses to help people learn to ride a bike.
The Bee Network will include the UK's largest cycling and walking network, with 1,800 miles of routes and 2,400 new crossings.
Furthermore, the City of Manchester has made a bid to become the first ACES European Capital of Cycling in 2024.
The bus network in Greater Manchester is partially deregulated, with local control of services having been removed in 1986 as a consequence of the Transport Act 1985. However, following the enactment of the Bus Services Act 2017, mayoral combined authorities like the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have had the power to bring buses back under the control of local government by means of a franchising scheme. The GMCA is the first combined authority to use the powers under the Act,[14] and is in the process of re-regulating its system which will be implemented in three tranches from 2023 to 2025.
The remaining parts of Greater Manchester (Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and the rest of Manchester and Salford) will join the scheme from 5 January 2025. As of January 2024[update] the bidding process for contracts to operate services in this area is ongoing.
Railways
Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have signed a collaboration agreement to deliver upgrades and regeneration opportunities across Manchester and Salford’s central railway stations.[18]
In addition, the first contactless payment trial on rail outside of London is to be done on the Stalybridge to Victoria line as well as the Glossop to Piccadilly line by early 2025.[a]
Commuter rail is expected to join the Bee Network by 2030 at the latest. It will create services similar to the London Overground.
Along with the rail services being brought under the network, a new station is planned to be built at Golborne. It is expected to be open by the end of 2025.
Design
The design of the network will be based around the worker bee. The worker bee is the most well known symbol representing the city and region, and was adopted during the industrial revolution. The liveries of the trams, buses and bikes will be yellow and black, representing the worker bee. The facilities supporting the network will also follow this design[2] similar to the adoption of London Red across almost all public transport services, following the nationalisation of the London General Omnibus Company in 1933.
Notes
^Specifically a state-issued Smartcard here, as several railway companies in the UK have already been issuing their own smartcards for several years (since at least 2007) using the ITSO standard such as Govia Thameslink Railway and Southern Railway/Gatwick Express which have already adopted The Key smartcard which is privately managed and owned by The Go-Ahead Group, an FTSE 100 listed public transport operator.[citation needed]
It is also worth noting that many ITSO-compliant smartcard readers already accept contactless payment.[citation needed]
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