Greater Manchester’s Bee Network has become the first public transport system in the UK to allow passengers to purchase tram and bus tickets directly through Apple Wallet and store them on a Bee Card for travel across the network.
The latest development marks another significant step in the region's drive towards a fully integrated and digitally enabled transport network, making it easier than ever for passengers to access services using their iPhone or Apple Watch.
The move follows the successful introduction of Our Pass in Apple Wallet earlier this year, when Greater Manchester became the first area in the UK to offer a dedicated travel card through Apple Wallet for young people aged 16 to 18.
Passengers can now purchase a range of Bee Network tickets directly within Apple Wallet and instantly load them onto a Bee Card. Once purchased, tickets can be used simply by tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch against a card reader when boarding a bus or accessing the tram network.
For customers using Express Mode, there is no need to unlock a device or open an app. Travellers can simply hold their device near a reader and continue their journey.
Expanding Digital Ticketing Across the Bee Network
The new Bee Card functionality offers a variety of ticket options, including:
- One-day bus tickets
- One-day tram tickets
- One-day bus and tram tickets
- Seven-day travel passes
- Weekend tickets
- Family travel tickets
The launch builds on the growing digital transformation of the Bee Network, which is preparing to integrate rail services alongside its franchised bus and Metrolink networks.
Industry Reaction
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:
“The Bee Network is modernising public transport, making it easier for people to travel around Greater Manchester on trams, buses and, soon, trains."
“Earlier this year, Our Pass became the first dedicated travel card in the UK to be integrated into Apple Wallet, benefiting young people across Greater Manchester.
“We are now giving Apple users of all ages a new way to pay for travel on the Bee Network, which is easy, secure and private.
“This is a further way in which we are making it easier for people to use public transport alongside other improvements like free travel for young people, keeping all fares low and introducing new services like night buses for every district."
How Passengers Can Add a Bee Card to Apple Wallet
Customers can add a Bee Card by:
- Opening Apple Wallet.
- Tapping the + button.
- Selecting Travel Card.
- Choosing Bee Network.
- Selecting and purchasing the preferred ticket.
Once purchased, the ticket is immediately available for travel.
Young people can also add their Our Pass via the Bee Network app by selecting Tickets, then My Tickets, and following the instructions to add the pass to Apple Wallet.
Passengers who prefer the flexibility of Tap and Go can continue to use their bank cards stored in Apple Wallet, while the Bee Network app remains available for journey planning, live bus tracking and travel alerts across bus, tram, train and road networks.
Why It Matters for the UK Rail and Transport Sector
The introduction of Bee Card in Apple Wallet represents another milestone in the digitalisation of public transport ticketing in the UK. As Greater Manchester moves towards a fully integrated Bee Network that will eventually include heavy rail services, the initiative provides a glimpse into the future of seamless, account-based ticketing and multimodal travel.
By combining simple payment methods with integrated transport services, Transport for Greater Manchester continues to position the Bee Network as a leading example of modern public transport delivery outside London.
Image credit: TfGM
