Discover Bee Network Rail – Your New Commuting Solution

Attention Net Zero News readers,

Mayor Andy Burnham has unveiled an ambitious plan for Greater Manchester to integrate rail into the Bee Network by 2028. This initiative is part of the city’s strategic vision to enhance public transport, boost passenger numbers, stimulate growth, and facilitate new housing developments.

Developed in collaboration with the rail industry, the Department for Transport (DfT), and Shadow Great British Rail, the plan aims not only to enhance transportation but also to unlock significant opportunities for regeneration and housing around the city-region’s stations.

The proposal includes incorporating eight commuter rail lines, spanning 64 stations, into the Bee Network in three phases. This integration will bring substantial improvements to the city-region’s train stations, services, and overall passenger experience, along with integrated capped fares across bus, tram, and train services.

The first two lines, connecting Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge, are set to be integrated by December 2026. By 2030, an additional 32 stations and all lines within Greater Manchester will join the Bee Network.

This approach is projected to increase the number of train journeys by 1.3 million annually, encouraging more people to opt for public transport and enabling services to operate later and on weekends. By doing so, the initiative aims to promote sustainable economic growth, ensuring residents in new homes have convenient rail connections at their doorstep, connecting them to various opportunities.

By 2028, the Bee Network rail integration plan is expected to deliver:

  • Tap in, tap out ticketing: Introducing contactless tap in, tap out ticketing across commuter rail lines, allowing passengers to purchase rail tickets through the Bee Network app and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
  • Simpler fares: Simplifying fare structures across bus, tram, and train services, making travel more accessible and affordable for passengers.
  • Bee Network stations and trains: Upgrading 64 stations to meet Greater Manchester standards, introducing safety and accessibility features, new branding, and improved passenger facilities.
  • New homes and regeneration: Identifying opportunities for employment and regeneration around stations, with plans to deliver 750 new homes near rail stations by 2028.
  • Service improvements: Enhancing reliability, implementing service changes, and exploring opportunities to optimize both freight and passenger journeys.
  • Accessibility for all: Accelerating accessibility improvements, aiming to have over 60% of stations on the eight lines with step-free access by 2028.
  • New rail stations: Advancing plans for a new train station in Golborne to reconnect the area to the railway after more than 60 years.

Mayor Andy Burnham expressed his enthusiasm for the rail integration plan, highlighting the importance of a reliable, integrated rail system to drive growth and provide essential connections for residents. He emphasized the significance of making travel by train simpler, flexible, and accessible to encourage more people to choose public transport over private cars.

The phased approach to the Bee Network rail expansion aligns with Greater Manchester’s commitment to enhancing public transport and achieving net zero targets. By integrating the eight rail lines, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by taking over 7 million cars off the road, saving approximately 700 tonnes of carbon.

Collaboration with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, and other key stakeholders is crucial to implementing the three-phase plan successfully, which includes introducing tap in, tap out ticketing, upgrading stations, and integrating additional lines into the Bee Network by 2030.

Greater Manchester’s efforts to integrate rail services will bring transformative changes for passengers, with a focus on enhancing local control, accountability, and sustainability. The plan also aligns with national initiatives to reform rail services, emphasizing the role of Mayoral Combined Authorities in shaping funding, governance, and network specifications.

Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, underscored the importance of an integrated transport system to drive sustainable growth, increase productivity, and provide opportunities for all residents. The collaboration between local authorities, the rail industry, and the government is vital to realizing the vision of a fully integrated transport network.

Rob McIntosh, North West & Central Managing Director at Network Rail, expressed support for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network ambitions, highlighting the significance of rail in facilitating growth and unlocking opportunities for the region.

As Greater Manchester progresses towards integrating rail services into the Bee Network, stakeholders are working diligently to create a seamless, sustainable, and efficient public transport system that benefits passengers, businesses, and the environment. With a shared commitment to innovation and collaboration, the city-region is paving the way for a greener, more connected future.

Image credits: Transport for Greater Manchester

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