New Bee Network map reveals high frequency transport routes

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has revealed a new map showing the high frequency bus and tram routes delivered by the Bee Network.

Shown in one place for the first time it demonstrates how, with public transport under local control, the city-region is making major progress toward a fully joined-up, regular service like in London.

The map highlights the routes which offer services at least once every 12 minutes on weekdays, with almost half of the Greater Manchester population (over 1.2 million people) living within walking or wheeling distance (approximately 400 metres) from one of these services.

In Stockport, high frequency bus routes include the 192 between Hazel Grove and Manchester city centre, the 330 between Stockport and Ashton, the 325 that connects Brinnington with Stockport town centre, and the 203 between Stockport town centre, Reddish and Manchester city centre.

As well as being the most frequent connections, the 41 bus routes shown on the map also are the city-region’s busiest and carried 54% of all Bee Network bus journeys in Februrary 2025.

Since all Greater Manchester’s buses came under local control, the number of people getting on board has continued to climb. Providing higher frequency services on popular routes is vital to boost passenger numbers, as well as support economic growth, better link residents to job and education opportunities and reduce congestion.

From Sunday 23^rd March, bus passengers will be able to turn up, tap and go when paying for all bus journeys. They’ll also be able to switch flexibly between bus and tram, knowing they’ll always pay the best value fare thanks to new daily and weekly caps.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“In London, passengers often simply turn up to a Tube station or bus stop knowing that they’ll be on board within minutes. Such a frequent and flexible public transport system shouldn’t be exclusive to the capital – and we promised Greater Manchester we’d deliver it with the Bee Network.

“To make that system a reality we needed to do two main things. Firstly, take back control of local buses, allowing us to set fares, routes and service frequencies to better connect our communities. We did that in January, becoming the first region in the UK to do so in 40 years.

“Next, we’re launching tap and go across bus and tram, giving people the freedom to travel in a way that works for them. One of the biggest changes we’ve introduced in Greater Manchester, it will bring us more in line with London and make public transport more convenient, flexible and affordable than it’s ever been before.

“Combine these steps with a joined-up network of high frequency bus and tram routes – within easy reach of over a million of our residents – and we’ve made major strides toward our public transport promise. Our call to the people of Greater Manchester is now to get on board and back the Bee Network so we can continue to go from strength to strength.”

The map revealed by the Mayor is intended to be the first step toward bringing more frequent, reliable Bee Network bus and tram services for people across the whole of Greater Manchester. Feedback gathered from communities through Network Reviews will be key to shaping future routes and service changes, while improvements are constantly being made to existing routes.