Next phase of improvements for public transport set out in 2026/27 Mayoral budget plan

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has set out proposals to drive further improvements to public transport and the fire service through this year’s Mayoral budget plan. 

The city-region has delivered, on time and within the original £134.5 million budget, the transition to a fully franchised bus system. The latest funding plan set out by the mayor will support keeping fares at current levels, new bus routes, and the roll-out of free all-day travel for older and disabled people. It will also fund further safety measures that build on the success of the TravelSafe LiveChat.

Additional funding for Fire and Rescue services in Greater Manchester will also enable investment in new technology, manage the increased demand that’s come from the city-region’s growth and ensure Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) remains a high-performing service.

To fund measures, if approved, the Mayoral precept for a Band D property will increase by £19 a year, and the fire precept by £6 from April. As most homes in Greater Manchester are Band A or B, many people would pay less. For a Band A property, the mayoral precept will increase by £12.67 a year.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

“The money people pay through the precept is helping us bring positive change to Greater Manchester, with policies that help people manage the cost-of-living.

“It helped us deliver Bee Network – a ground-breaking bus reform programme that we have delivered on time and within budget, plus a host of other major public transport improvements.

“In the last year we’ve introduced free all-day bus travel for older and disabled people, launched new and improved bus services, such as the number 30, and we’ve introduced TravelSafe LiveChat, a game-changer for improving safety for Bee Network passengers.   

“Our intention with our fire and police services to deliver that same ambition and value for money that we’ve shown with transport, making sure the benefits are felt across all our boroughs.”

The Mayoral and fire precepts are part of the council tax paid by Greater Manchester residents and are used to fund crucial public services. Final recommendations for the mayoral precept and all budgets will be considered for approval at the special GMCA budget meeting in February.

The proposed Mayoral precept increase for 2026 will support the Bee Network to deliver the following commitments over the next year: 

• The next phase of safe travel – In October, the Bee Network launched a pioneering approach to keeping people safe on public transport. TravelSafe LiveChat, a UK-first, gives passengers access to a 24/7 service that allows them to discreetly report safety concerns or incidents on buses and trams to the Greater Manchester Police (GMP). In 2026, we will build on the success of LiveChat, bolstering GMP provision across all modes of public transport to improve safety for staff and passengers.
• Free all-day bus travel for older and disabled people – Following a successful trial of the scheme in 2025, the pre-9.30am restrictions for older and disabled people will be permanently removed on all Bee Network bus services.
• New Bee Network service upgrades – Precept funding creates opportunities for service extensions and new routes across the Bee Network to meet the demands of our growing city region. This year we have launched a new all-electric number 30 service, connecting the Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Salford Quays, Ordsall Lane and Manchester City Centre. Additional precept funding will enable the Bee Network to look at similar service improvements, such as more frequent services or additional routes, where there is a strong case and funding to support those decisions.

GMFRS is driving a large-scale programme of improvements across its estate and infrastructure, and key services for the community, that will be supported by the proposed increase to the fire precept, including:

• New fire stations – Crews moved into the new Blackley Community Fire station in December, the first of several new build, sustainable facilities fit for the needs of firefighters and the communities they serve. Progress continues in other areas of GM, with new stations in Whitefield and Stockport Central due to be completed in 2026.
• More fire engines – GMFRS is one of the only fire and rescue services in the UK increasing and improving its fleet, with two new fire engines entering service since 2024. Alongside this, GMFRS is investing in new technology to improve how it responds to the growing numbers of complex emergencies like road traffic collisions, water rescues and collapsed buildings.
• Thousands more home safety checks – GMFRS is strengthening its prevention work – delivering thousands of home fire safety visits each year, working with partners to protect the most vulnerable and running community programmes that help reduce risk long before an incident occurs. In addition, GMFRS is part of a project trialling a new property check in Salford as part of a wider commitment to improve  standards in rental properties across the city region.