UK transport secretary Louise Haigh has met with the mayor of Greater Manchester to discuss how the area’s Bee Network scheme can be replicated across the country to support the government’s aim of improving bus services through franchising or public ownership.
Launched in September 2023 as the first bus franchise in England outside London, the integrated Bee Network has reportedly seen passenger numbers grow by 5% in the first area to be franchised, with revenue said to be following suit.
The Bee Network has reportedly also boosted Manchester’s Metrolink tram/light rail system.
In May, the service recorded the busiest month in its 32-year history with 4.1 million passengers using the city’s yellow trams, higher than the previous record of four million set before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.
Haigh’s visit with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham came as the transport secretary pledged to create and save bus routes across the UK, and called time on what she described as the “failed system of deregulation that has seen service levels plummet”.
The transport secretary also claimed that the plans will bring an end to “the postcode lottery of bus services” by providing safeguards over local networks across the country.
READ MORE: UK DfT to “move fast and fix things” as transport secretary sets out five key priorities
Haigh said: “Buses are the lifeblood of communities, but the system is broken.
“Too often, passengers are left waiting hours for buses that don’t turn up – and some have been cut off altogether.
“Change starts now. This new government will give local leaders the tools they need to deliver better buses up and down the country.
“Our plan will create and save vital bus routes by giving every community the power to take back control of their bus services through franchising or public ownership.
“We are already seeing how the Bee Network is delivering for people across Greater Manchester – we will ensure every community can enjoy the same benefits.”
READ MORE: What Labour’s win means for the UK transport sector
The transport secretary also heard from Burham the franchising challenges faced by Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester overcame a six-year process to deliver local control of bus services due to “unnecessary barriers” that the government has pledged to remove so that better buses can be delivered faster.
Burnham said: “Properly integrated public transport is the key to unlocking growth and opportunity across our city-region, improving the lives of our residents, supporting businesses and delivering greater value for money.
“The numbers speak for themselves – our Bee Network has more passengers than ever before and is providing a better service for residents.
“Greater Manchester has shown that our pioneering approach works and we look forward to working with the government to put power back into the hands of local communities.”
Achievements and innovations in transport planning will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
