Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced a partnership with Via to to help modernise its Ring & Ride and Local Link services.
Ring & Ride provides accessible, low-cost transport to disabled people and older people with walking difficulties in Greater Manchester, while Local Link offers a flexible minibus service for local journeys in parts of the city-region where public transport services are limited.
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The upgraded transport services launched on 26 February and TfGM reports more than 850 passengers per day – primarily older people, disabled people, or those not well-connected to other transport routes – will be able to access the services.
Greater Manchester aims for the services to support TfGM’s franchised bus network, the Bee network.
TfGM’s deputy director of bus Alison Chew said: “The Bee Network is committed to making public transport and active travel more inclusive and accessible for everyone in Greater Manchester, and both Ring & Ride and Local Link play a vital role in providing access to low-cost, accessible and flexible journeys by public transport.
“We have invested significantly in modernising our public transport system to improve accessibility, including fitting our new Bee Network buses with audiovisual announcements, hearing loops and wheelchair bays, and we’re working hard to deliver even more improvements for our passengers.
“We know that these door-to-services are a lifeline for so many people in areas that are often hard to reach by traditional public transport, so we are delighted to be partnering with Via to help bring Ring & Ride and Local Link in line with our wider Bee Network to deliver a truly bespoke, modern and flexible experience for our customers.”
Achievements and innovations in public transport will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
