Step-by-step plans set out for Bee Network rail integration

Greater Manchester has revealed a step-by-step plan for integrating local rail services across the city-region into the Bee Network public and active transport network.

With just one year to go until the first rail services start joining the Bee Network, Mayor Andy Burnham and industry leaders unveiled a new yellow Bee Network promotional train and set out how passengers are expected to benefit from the changes.

The first two lines – connecting Manchester to Glossop and Rose Hill Marple, and Stalybridge – will join the Bee Network from 13 December 2026, and will see contactless ‘tap in, tap out’ ticketing rolled out across 17 stations. The majority of routes in Stockport, including services from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport via Heald Green and Gatley, and from Manchester Piccadilly to Alderley Edge via Stockport, will join the network in 2027, along with further roll-out of contactless and capped fares as in use already on buses and trams.

In the next 12 months, the plan for bringing rail into the Bee Network is set to deliver:

• Simpler, fairer fares: The introduction of simpler fares on 7 December paves the way for contactless payments and integration with the Bee Network from December 2026.
• Ticket acceptance during disruption: From December 2025, passengers will benefit from ticket acceptance across bus, tram and train when there’s disruption in Greater Manchester.
  Digital improvements: By March 2026, the Bee Network app and TfGM website will feature comprehensive rail station information, from car park and cycling spaces through to step-free access. Real-time rail departure and disruption information will be added by the summer, with journey planning available by autumn next year.
• 24/7 Rail Services: From May 2026, TransPennine Express will run night-time trains to the airport, supporting Greater Manchester’s thriving night-time and visitor economy.
• Station upgrades: From summer 2026, stations on the first two lines will be refreshed with Bee Network branding and new customer information points to make onward journeys between train, tram, buses and bikes even easier. Upgrades to nearby bus and tram stops will provide up-to-date travel information from spring 2026.
• Major Travel Hubs: TfGM and rail industry partners will join forces like never before to enhance the customer experience at Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations – two major gateways into the city. Our collaborative approach will create a truly seamless journey for all passengers (including visitors to the city), including improved signage, live travel information and Bee Network customer support.
• Accelerating step-free access: Building on the success of delivering step-free access schemes at Daisy Hill and Irlam stations. TfGM and partners have started to deliver improvements at Bryn station in Wigan, with work due to begin at Hindley, Reddish North and Swinton in the year ahead.
• Contactless payments on the first rail lines: Greater Manchester is working with government to roll out tap and go contactless payments at 17 stations on the first two lines by December 2026, so there’s no need to worry about having the right ticket – or buying individual tickets – the best rail fare will be calculated for you, with a weekly rail cap.
• New Bee Network ticket: Also from December 2026, a new pre-pay multi-modal ticket will launch, meaning you can use on any combination of buses, trams and trains across the city region. Similar to the approach taken to Bee Network buses, this will bring bus, tram and train together with a new pre-paid ticket.
• Pilot Projects: From 2027, we will pilot additional and later running services on the Airport, Alderley Edge, and Rochdale stopping lines.
• Fully integrated eight rail lines into the Bee Network: From January 2028, eight rail lines – including 64 stations – will be fully integrated with Bee Network buses and trams, with Tap and Go payments and daily and weekly fare caps. The remaining 32 stations will join the system by 2030.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“With one year to go until rail joins the Bee Network, we are on the cusp of delivering a fully integrated, world-class transport system for our global city-region. These changes will make everyday journeys easier and open up new opportunities for people across Greater Manchester. I am excited for what the next twelve months will bring as we build a better, more connected future for us all.

“This is just the beginning—more rail lines will follow in 2027 and 2028, as we continue our journey to make travel safer, easier and better connected to local communities, so people feel they are getting good value for money.

“Bringing rail into the Bee Network, alongside our long-term vision for rail in Greater Manchester, are all part of our plan and commitment to maximise good growth across the city region for the next decade and beyond which our residents and businesses deserve. This transformation draws clear parallels with Greater Manchester’s successful bus franchising rollout, which has delivered improved services, simpler fares, and greater local accountability.”

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

“More joined-up and affordable public transport enables sustainable economic growth, higher productivity and greater access to homes, jobs and opportunity for the people and businesses of Greater Manchester.

“With these rail services now set to be integrated with Bee Network buses, trams and active travel, better outcomes will be delivered in all of those vital areas. I’d like to thank shadow Great British Railways, the Department for Transport and Greater Manchester’s rail operators for working with us in real partnership to get us to this point.”

Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern, said:

“We’re really pleased to be working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester to deliver lasting improvements for our customers.

 “We have a shared vision of delivering a reliable and inclusive railway that meets the needs of everyone in the region, opens up a range of new opportunities and supports economic growth.”

Rebecca Rathore, route strategy director for Network Rail, said:

“We are pleased to be supporting the Mayor’s plans for an integrated regional transport system. We would urge passengers to keep an eye out for regular updates with one year to go until trains become part of the Bee Network.”

Chris Jackson, Managing Director for TPE said:

“We’re proud to be working hand-in-hand with our partners to make public transport the best it can be for everyone who travels in Greater Manchester. We’re part of creating a simpler, more connected system that puts customers first, making everyday journeys easier and better value. This is about delivering a transport network people can trust and enjoy, whether they’re commuting, visiting, or exploring our region.”