Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has simplified payments across its Bee Network’s bus and trams.
Accepting Visa and Mastercard contactless payments, passengers can use a physical card as their ‘travel token’, or a payment device with a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Pay.
TfGM stated that the new system will enable a single tap-on to ride on buses, whereas tram users must tap-on and tap-off.
If customers use the same token for all their trips, Vix’s account-based ticketing back office works out the best available fare based on the number of trips they make.
READ MORE: Bee Network reaches 50 million contactless journeys ahead of bus rollout
TfGM was the first local transport authority in England to use bus franchising powers to take control of its bus network.
Building on the successful launch of contactless payment on the tram network in 2019, the scheme has now been successfully extended for use on both bus and tram travel across the Bee Network.
Head of ticketing at TfGM Helen Humble said: “Tap and Go is a real game changer for the Bee Network as the quickest and easiest way for passengers to pay for their bus and tram travel.
“Contactless technology means that fares are automatically calculated to ensure our passengers pay the best value up to the daily or weekly cap under a much simpler fare structure.
“This week is the culmination of years of hard work to deliver a public transport network that is in line with other global cities and we value the expertise that our partners at Vix have been able to provide on this journey.”
Achievements and innovations in ticketing & payment will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
