In a significant move to enhance public transportation accessibility, Greater Manchester is rolling out a comprehensive night bus service that will connect all ten boroughs for the first time in years, as part of the ongoing expansion of the Bee Network. This initiative is set to cater primarily to around 625,400 residents who work late or night shifts, promising to significantly improve their commuting options during the nighttime hours.
The Expansion of Night Buses
The Bee Network will introduce five new 24-hour bus services specifically designed to operate throughout the night. These services will run across the boroughs including Oldham, Stockport, Tameside, and Trafford, though it's notable that some routes will only operate from Thursday to Saturday nights. The initiative aims to provide consistent transportation support for late-night workers and enhance the overall connectivity of the region.
New Bus Routes
In addition to the night bus services, three new routes will serve to better connect residents, facilitating convenient access to popular destinations and commercial hubs:
- Woodford Garden Village to Stockport town center
- Ashton, Stalybridge, and Dukinfield to Hyde
- Wigan and St Helens connecting via Abram, Golborne, and Newton-le-Willows
Alongside these routes, adjustments will be made to bus timetables in key areas like Logistics North in Bolton to align with shift patterns.
Connecting to Key Locations
The expansion will also see an increase in services to essential employment and visitor hubs such as:
- Manchester Airport
- Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale
- Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton
- MediaCity in Salford
- The Trafford Centre
These enhancements reflect a commitment to improve accessibility and support for both residents and visitors in Greater Manchester, further solidifying the Bee Network as a viable transportation solution.
Mayor's Vision for Growth
Mayor Andy Burnham expressed optimism regarding the expansion, emphasizing that this is merely the onset of further improvements. “By expanding Bee Network night buses to every borough, and providing more frequent services to key employment locations, we are creating more ways for people to access jobs and opportunities across the region," he stated. Burnham assured that the transformation of the Bee Network aims to foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Greater Manchester residents.
Record Growth in Public Transport
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) released a report revealing that the Bee Network buses clocked up an impressive 82 million kilometers in the year ending March 2025—a notable increase of seven percent compared to the previous year. This milestone is significant as it more than doubles the average growth in bus services outside London, reflecting the commitment to enhancing public transport in the region.
As the night bus services are being implemented, many residents anticipate a more reliable option for late-night travel. The increase in connectivity, especially for those with non-traditional working hours, represents a progressive step forward for Greater Manchester's public transport system.
For further details on the Bee Network and its services, visit Bee Network.
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