Bee Network moves forward with plans to cut transport costs

Applications are to open on Thursday 5th December for a new annual Bee Network bus ticket available through Greater Manchester credit unions as part of plans to keep transport costs affordable.

From Thursday 5^th December, people will be able to apply for an annual pass at one of nine participating credit unions, including Stockport Credit Union, and spread the cost through weekly or monthly payments. Costing £800, the ticket provides unlimited bus travel on Greater Manchester buses, and will also be available to purchase by paying upfront through the Bee Network app and at TfGM ticket and information offices at bus stations and interchanges.

January will also bring further cuts to the cost of 7-day and 28-day tickets as the final areas of Greater Manchester, including Stockport, see their buses come under Bee Network control from 5th January. Unlimited travel on Bee Network bus services will be £20 for seven-days for an adult and £10 for a child (compared with £21 and £10.50 currently), while 28-day travel will be more than £5 cheaper for adults – coming down from £85.40 (£42.70 child) to £80 (£40 for a child). Hopper fares will also replace single-tickets, allowing passengers to use their ticket on multiple services with one hour of purchase for £2. Metrolink passengers will also benefit from ticket prices remaining frozen for a fifth consecutive year.

Alongside price freezes and cuts, GMCA has also agreed to, from April 2025, extend free bus travel and discounted tram tickets for care leavers in Greater Manchester from 18 – 25, up from 21 currently.

Friday 29^th November saw the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham join Greater Manchester’s leaders in Bolton to update them on preparations for January 5^th when the process of bringing buses back under local control after 40 years of privatisation completes. He also visited Bolton’s Hoot Credit Union, which is also participating in ensuring the annual bus ticketing scheme.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said:

“When most bills are going up, it feels good to be bringing the cost of travel down, supporting our residents and making it easier to access education, jobs and the support they need to get on in life.

“Getting around by public transport has, in the past, been costly. All eyes are on Greater Manchester as we show how keeping costs down and getting more people on board can deliver massive benefits to both our communities and our economy. It’s a model that London has reaped the rewards from for decades.

“We are now seeing the benefits of a joined-up public transport system, controlled by local leaders, come to fruition. Whether more frequent and reliable buses, or new ways to pay for cheaper tickets, our plan for the Bee Network is really coming together.

“The recent funding from government was a vote of confidence in the journey we’re on, and there’s more to come with the launch of tap in tap out across bus and tram in the spring and then bringing rail into the Bee Network.”

Graham Whitham, CEO at Resolve Poverty, said:

“It’s great to see Transport for Greater Manchester collaborating with local credit unions to provide affordable travel to the city-region. Affording essential costs such as food, bills and travel is a real struggle for many across Greater Manchester. The Bee Bus Annual Ticket will make public transport in the city-region accessible to many more people, helping residents to live the life they want to live.”

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: 

“Affordability is at the heart of the Bee Network and it’s crucial we keep fares low as we encourage more people to get on board our buses and trams.

“The changes to fares build on action already taken to bring down the cost of travel. This includes the launch of the discounted Bee Anybus + Tram ticket in September 2023 – cutting the cost of combined journeys on buses and trams by up to 20%, the introduction of capped bus fares in September 2022 and the continued support for Our Pass, offering free travel to 16–18-year-olds. Metrolink fares have also frozen since 2020.

“This is only possible as we integrate the network and re-take control of our buses. As we build a Greater Manchester where people can live their best lives, we need to make sure our public transport is accessible and inclusive – and cost is a big factor in getting people on board.”

Chris Canham, CEO, Hoot Credit Union in Bolton, said:

“Hoot is very excited to be part of the group of credit unions in Greater Manchester working with TfGM on this scheme. Credit unions are all about helping people to improve financial well-being, and having access to affordable ways to pay and save on transport costs will be a huge help to many people in Greater Manchester.

“By going to the Soundpound.co.uk website, residents can see more about how much they can save by paying weekly or monthly for the pass at no extra cost, and saving money on transport costs is essential in meeting the cost of living.”