Greater Manchester becomes first region in 40 years to take control of buses
ITV Granada Reports journalist Rob Smith went to see what the new London-style public transport network means for the region
Greater Manchester has become the first area in England in four decades to bring its bus services under local control.
The shift, completed as part of the region's Bee Network, affects 577 routes and 1,600 buses, which handle over 160 million journeys annually.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says it hopes the move will "deliver a more reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly public transport that better serves its communities".
It said the new system promises improved connections and punctuality, and according to TfGM, the reliability of buses in areas already under local control has risen from around 69% to over 80%.
Around to 75 routes now have earlier, later, and more frequent services, as well as night buses.
A £2 cap on single tickets has been introduced across the network and, from March, a contactless payment system will calculate the lowest daily or weekly fare for bus and tram journeys.
Hundreds of new buses are expected to be introduced as part of the Bee Network with, TfGM says, 52% of the fleet expected to be replaced by March 2025.
Mayor Andy Burnham described the transition as a significant moment for public transport in England.
“Every community in Greater Manchester will now be served by cheaper, cleaner, and greener buses,” he said.
“This isn’t just a win for passengers; it’s an opportunity for economic growth, better connectivity, and a higher quality of life.
”The re-regulation of buses has also led to job creation, with hundreds of roles generated both in the operation of services and the manufacturing of new buses.
Transport advocates are watching Greater Manchester’s efforts closely as other regions consider similar changes.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, described the Bee Network as a "trailblazer" for the rest of the country.
“This Government has prioritised supporting and improving bus networks across the country as we know how important they are for communities - but for too long, too many people have suffered from unreliable and infrequent services," she said.
Dr Maya Singer Hobbs from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) North said Greater Manchester’s model demonstrates the potential benefits of local control, including better environmental, social, and economic outcomes.
Plans are underway to integrate rail services into the Bee Network by 2028, starting with eight priority train lines. Improvements to cycling and walking infrastructure are also ongoing, with over 117km of routes already delivered.
Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, emphasized the need to make walking and cycling safer and more accessible.
“We are making steady progress in delivering better-connected routes,” she said, adding that these efforts will help shift short car journeys to more sustainable options.