‘Licence for Greater Manchester’ launched for Bee Network bus drivers

Greater Manchester has launched a new licence scheme for bus drivers to make working on the Bee Network more attractive as a long term career option.

The Licence for Greater Manchester (LfGM) will enable drivers to carry their experience driving on the city-region’s roads with them when changing between operators to encourage a new generation to get behind the wheel. The change will give drivers extra flexibility to move around the city-region’s bus operators to develop their careers without being penalised financially: traditionally, drivers would have to start at entry levels of pay, even if they had years of experience with a different operator.

The safeguard to the pay of more than 4,000 Bee Network drivers – and that of all future recruits – comes after the scheme was agreed by bus operators, Unite the Union and Transport of Greater Manchester (TfGM). It builds on work already undertaken around terms and conditions, including operators adopting the Greater Manchester Good Employers Charter.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“By bringing all bus services in Greater Manchester together under the Bee Network we’ve been able to deliver massive benefits to passengers, who no longer have to buy different tickets from different bus operators.

“We can now extend that change to Bee Network bus drivers, who’ll benefit from this ‘one system’ approach, with the ability  to build a long-term career in Greater Manchester.

“Not only do we want to attract new talent and nurture the next generation of drivers, we want to retain the experienced drivers who are fundamental to keeping the Bee Network running day in, day out.

“I must thank Unite and other trade unions for their role in shaping not just this initiative, but the Bee Network itself, as well as the Transport Workforce Engagement Board which proposed the Licence for GM scheme.”

Bus operators are currently recruiting drivers to join them and contribute to the success of the Bee Network, with the LfGM making the role an even more attractive proposition.

Stephen Rhodes, Director of Bus at TfGM, said:

“This scheme is another example of the Bee Network working as one system, with drivers’ experience and length of service respected if they move between operators, meaning they no longer having to start on the lowest pay.

“It recognises the hugely important role bus drivers play in keeping Greater Manchester moving and – together with the Real Living Wage and Great Manchester Good Employment Charter commitments of our franchise operators – will help us to retain the services and experience of these highly valued colleagues.”

Partners will continue to work on developing the LfGM, exploring further benefits it could deliver for drivers in future.

Colin Hayden Unite the Union Regional Officer, Passenger Transport Sector, said:

“The Licence for Manchester is a joint initiative to assist with recruitment and retention in the Bee Network.

 “For far too long, the passenger transport industry has become somewhat of a stop gap in employment, and initiatives like this will ultimately assist with Unite the Union’s campaign in the region to fully harmonise all elements of pay and conditions for all workers who do the same job in the same city regardless of workplace location.

“We have many depots throughout the Greater Manchester Combined Authority based in our local communities and this will encourage and attract local people into long term secure employment.”

Rob Jones, Managing Director, Stagecoach Manchester, which operates the majority of franchised Bee Network bus services in Stockport, said:

 “The License for Manchester is an important step forward to attract and retain drivers to the bus industry. As the first point of contact for many customers it recognises the vital role drivers play in the success of the Bee Network, providing stability and greater choice for drivers to choose where they work. Additionally, it provides the opportunity for drivers to progress their career in public transport within Greater Manchester.”