Consultation launched on Greater Manchester transport ambitions

People who live, work, travel, visit, or study in Greater Manchester are invited to help shape the future of travel in the city region by giving their views on the city-region’s ambitions plans for improving transport infrastructure through to 2050.

A public consultation on both the GM Transport Strategy 2050 and the GM Transport Delivery Plan (2027–37) launched Tuesday 9 December 2025, and will close on Monday 9 March 2026.

Plans set out how the Bee Network can continue to support Greater Manchester’s economic growth, as well as tackling inequality and meeting climate goals. Plans have been developed alongside the 10 local councils and through engagement with business, community and stakeholder groups, and are backed by £2.5 billion funding from government to deliver projects through to the early 2030s.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

“World-class transport is the key to unlocking further sustainable economic growth, higher productivity and reducing inequality. We’re already leading the way through the creation of the Bee Network and seeing the clear benefits it’s delivering. We know there is still a huge amount of work to be done and it is critical that we take a long-term view through this 2050 strategy and delivery plan. 

“We’ve got exciting multi-million-pound plans which will improve transport across Greater Manchester, including continuing our work to make sure everyone is safe, and feels safe, using the Bee Network.  

“Every voice matters, and we’ve already engaged with communities, businesses and stakeholders to make sure people and places are at the heart of these plans. Now we want to hear what you think, so we can make sure they deliver what every area and community needs now and in the future.”

The GM transport strategy and delivery plan are an ambitious statement of Greater Manchester’s plans to invest in the right things to build a world class integrated transport system in the Bee Network that brings together buses, trams, walking, wheeling and cycling, and, from 2028, local rail services.

By 2030, Greater Manchester wants 90% of people in the city region to be within a five-minute walk of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes.

The plans include:

• Improving transport connections to new developments and housing and key growth locations across GM, including such as Stockport town centre and Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone.
• Keeping the network safe and reliable by renewing and maintaining key infrastructure.
• Making travel easier with better performance, more resilient services, and simpler ticketing.
• Bringing rail into the Bee Network to create seamless journeys across Greater Manchester.
• Building a world-class walking, wheeling and cycling network that better connects with public transport.
• Upgrading streets and public spaces to support local communities by making them safer, more attractive, and better for walking, wheeling and spending time in.
• Expanding cycle hire and loan schemes to enable even more people to travel actively.
• Improving bus services, with faster journey times and priority measures.
• Creating new stations, including at Cheadle, stops, interchanges and travel hubs to improve access and comfort.
• Developing new Metrolink and tram/train lines to connect more places, including links to Stockport and Middleton, and make faster journeys possible.
• Improving regional connections through the Greater Manchester’s future vision for rail, including Northern Powerhouse Rail, which will serve Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly stations.
• Exploring options for a future metro and underground network to boost capacity and connectivity.

A detailed delivery programme listing schemes is set out in the GM Transport Delivery Plan 2027 – 2037, split into three phases, along with works in Manchester City Centre and a broader ongoing set of works across the region.

Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

“Greater Manchester is well underway in building the walking, wheeling and cycling components of the Bee Network. And part of that work is to make sure the region’s roads and public transport networks are safe, reliable and accessible for everyone who uses them.

“Transport unlocks opportunities, supports the creation of vibrant places and – by enabling people to walk and cycle – it also supports better health outcomes and improves physical health and mental wellbeing.

“Whatever the purpose of your journeys, it’s time to share your views on the future transport plans, from the journey to school to the leisure trips you take and everything in between –  how do these plans enable the journey options you and your family need –  and what else do you suggest is considered?”

Visit gmconsult.org to have your say on the future of transport in Greater Manchester, find out more about the plans and details about face-to-face drop-in sessions taking place across Greater Manchester as a part of the consultation.

Hard copies of the GM Transport Strategy 2050, GM Delivery Plan, consultation summary document and questionnaires will be available at public buildings (libraries, interchanges and information and ticket offices) across Greater Manchester and on request from TfGM.

The consultation runs from Tuesday 9 December 2025 to 11.59pm Monday 9 March 2026. Feedback gathered through the consultation will inform the final strategy and delivery plan which will be adopted next year.