Greater Manchester is on the brink of a transport revolution. Mayor Andy Burnham has unveiled a detailed, step-by-step plan to bring the city region’s rail lines into the Bee Network—creating the first fully integrated public transport system outside London.
With just 12 months until the first rail services join the Bee Network, Burnham and industry leaders showcased a striking yellow Bee Network promotional train and outlined how passengers will soon benefit from simpler fares, upgraded stations, and seamless connections.
First Rail Lines Join in December 2026
The first two lines—Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge—will integrate with the Bee Network from 13 December 2026, introducing contactless ‘tap in, tap out’ ticketing across 17 stations. This marks the start of a phased rollout, with additional lines joining in 2027 and 2028, and capped contactless fares uniting buses, trams, and trains.
This ambitious programme underpins the Greater Manchester Strategy, positioning the Bee Network as a transport system fit for a global city-region—driving growth and widening access to jobs and opportunities.
What’s Coming in the Next 12 Months
The roadmap includes:
- Simpler, fairer fares: From 7 December 2025, new fare structures pave the way for contactless integration in 2026.
- Ticket acceptance during disruption: Starting December 2025, passengers can use tickets across bus, tram, and train during service disruption.
- Digital upgrades: By March 2026, the Bee Network app and TfGM website will provide detailed station info, real-time departures, and journey planning.
- 24/7 rail services: From May 2026, TransPennine Express will introduce night-time trains to Manchester Airport.
- Station improvements: Summer 2026 will see Bee Network branding and new customer information points at stations on the first two lines.
- Major travel hubs: TfGM and rail partners will enhance Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations with improved signage, live travel info, and Bee Network support.
- Step-free access: Building on successes at Daisy Hill and Irlam, upgrades will begin at Hindley, Reddish North, and Swinton.
- Contactless payments: By December 2026, tap-and-go payments will launch at 17 stations, with weekly fare caps.
- New Bee Network ticket: Also in December 2026, a pre-pay multi-modal ticket will allow travel across buses, trams, and trains.
- Pilot projects: From 2027, later-running services will be trialed on Airport, Alderley Edge, and Rochdale lines.
- Full integration by 2028: Eight rail lines and 64 stations will join the Bee Network by January 2028, with the remaining 32 stations integrated by 2030.
- Transport-led regeneration: Greater Manchester will pilot the UK’s first Transport-Led Town Centre Regeneration and Growth Corridor in Ashton and Stalybridge.
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.”
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, added:
“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.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“With the support of Government funding, passengers across Greater Manchester will soon benefit from simpler fares, more reliable journeys and better connections when rail becomes part of the Bee Network.
“Thanks to our rail reforms giving local leaders the power and support to deliver schemes like this, we are creating a fairer, more prosperous transport network that people can be proud of.”
Image credits: Transport for Greater Manchester
