The Bee Network: A Revolution in Motion

The bus transportation system in the United Kingdom is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, with Greater Manchester at the absolute vanguard. After nearly 40 years of a deregulated market where private operators decided routes and fares, the region has made history by bringing its bus services back under local public control. This integrated system, known as the Bee Network, represents a bold "London-style" vision for the North.

A New Era of Local Control

Launched in phases starting in late 2023 and completing its full roll-out by early 2025, the Bee Network has unified over 570 routes and 1,600 buses under a single yellow livery. Managed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the system prioritizes public need over profit. This shift allows the city-region to coordinate timetables, improve punctuality, and reinvest surpluses directly back into the network.

Key Features and 2026 Updates

• Affordability: Fares remain a primary focus, with the £2 single adult fare cap frozen throughout 2026 to combat cost-of-living pressures.
• Sustainability: The fleet is rapidly greening; by 2026, approximately 25% of buses are zero-emission electric vehicles, with an ambitious goal of a 100% electric fleet by 2030.
• Accessibility: In a major 2026 update, the 9:30 AM restriction on concessionary passes was permanently lifted, allowing older and disabled residents free travel 24/7 across the network.
• Integration: The "Bee Network" app now serves as a one-stop-shop for "tap and go" payments, live tracking, and multi-modal journey planning across buses and the Metrolink tram system.

The results speak for themselves: bus patronage has surged by over 14% in franchised areas, and punctuality has climbed significantly compared to the old deregulated system. By 2028, the network aims to integrate local rail services, fulfilling the promise of a truly seamless, world-class transport system that serves the three million residents of Greater Manchester.