Major changes confirmed for Bee Network

Greater Manchester's Bee Network has announced a series of changes that will be rolled out across its services.

The measures include free bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds, rail integration and longer-term plans for daily fare caps.

The changes are expected to begin in the coming months and build on the franchising of the region's bus network, which was brought back under local control by former mayor Andy Burnham.

Here is a look at the plans set to affect passengers over the coming months.

Train stations across the region will begin joining Greater Manchester's Bee Network from December, with work continuing in phases until 2030.

Under plans announced by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the integration aims to improve rail services, reliability, infrastructure and the overall passenger experience.

In December, a new ticketing system covering train, tram and bus travel will be introduced.

It is designed to make it easier for passengers to switch between different forms of public transport across Greater Manchester.

Longer-term plans include an integrated Bee Network payment system with daily and weekly fare caps, which is due to be introduced by the end of 2028.

Mandie Shilton Godwin, councillor for Chorlton Park, said: "I've heard people say they drive into Manchester because they're not confident in using the train."

Free bus travel for all 11 to 16-year-olds with a bus pass will be rolled out across the region from January 2027. Applications for the passes will open on 8 December 2026.

Up to 200,000 young people are expected to benefit from the scheme.

The move, which is expected to cost up to £20m a year, was one of Mayor Bev Craig's first pledges after she was elected Mayor of Greater Manchester in July.

Councillor Mike McCusker said the plans meant "all school-aged children should be able to travel for free, as they do in London".

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has also provided an update on proposals for an underground station at Piccadilly after Mayor Bev Craig said she wanted a decision on the scheme by Christmas.

The plans form part of the £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail project to improve east-west travel across northern England. Manchester's civic leaders have also set out ambitions for Piccadilly station to become the "King's Cross of the North".

TfGM said it was reviewing the options for Piccadilly station and would present its preferred plan and funding proposals to the government.

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