Bee Network Committee approves £30 million package of transport investment

Greater Manchester is set to benefit from over £30 million of investment in its public transport and active travel infrastructure that has been approved by the city-region’s Bee Network Committee.

Among the schemes supported by this latest round of funding include a £2.24 million package of walking and cycling improvements in Heaton Chapel, and step free access for Reddish North station, which is one of four local stations across Greater Manchester to benefit from £16.8 million of accessibility upgrades.

Bus stops across Greater Manchester will also benefit from a combined £7.2 million investment. More than 220 bus stops will be enhanced with new shelters, raised kerbs, better road markings, and improved walking routes – making bus travel more comfortable and accessible for everyone. Meanwhile, real-time travel information is coming to 319 bus stops locations and five transport interchanges across Greater Manchester, helping passengers plan their journeys with confidence.

Projects have been backed by the city-region’s £1.07 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, which helps fund Greater Manchester’s pipeline of infrastructure projects.

A further £0.7 million was approved for an electric vehicle (EV) charging pilot that will see innovative flush-fitting and pedestal EV chargers trialled in residential areas – offering discreet, shared charging options. An additional £0.4 million will also support the Travel Hubs Access Programme, helping to improve walking and cycling access to Metrolink, bus, and rail stops.

Chris Barnes, Network Director for Infrastructure at TfGM, said:

“The Bee Network is transforming how people get around Greater Manchester by providing reliable, accessible, safe, affordable and sustainable travel options.

“Key to its continued success is our investment in transport infrastructure, and these projects are the latest in a series of schemes that will play an important role in improving journeys for people across Greater Manchester.

“We’re really excited about all the improvements we are bringing forward, including the changes we have got planned for bus stops, which will improve the experience for passengers by giving them real-time information at their stop in a similar way to London.”

Cllr Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport for Manchester City Council, and Disability Advocate for the Bee Network, said:

“In Greater Manchester a huge amount of time and money is being invested into making sure our transport network is accessible for everyone.

“The provision for step free access in this round of investment is a welcome addition to the range of interventions which are already in place, ensuring that our transport network is safe, inclusive and accessible for everyone.”