Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, has confirmed that Vernon Everitt CBE will remain as Transport Commissioner and Dame Sarah Storey will continue as Active Travel Commissioner, extending their roles as the region prepares for the next phase of the Bee Network's development.
The pair have served in their respective positions since 2022 and have played a central role in delivering the most significant transformation of Greater Manchester's transport network in a generation.
Their reappointment comes as the Bee Network continues to expand, following the landmark move in January 2025 that saw Greater Manchester become the first city-region outside London to bring bus services back under local control. Rail services are scheduled to begin joining the integrated network from December, creating a more seamless transport experience across the region.
As commissioners, both Everitt and Storey will support the Mayor's ambitions to secure further investment in transport infrastructure and services, helping improve connectivity for residents, communities and businesses across all ten boroughs.
A Strong Foundation for the Bee Network
Since taking on the Transport Commissioner role, Vernon Everitt has overseen significant improvements in public transport performance. Passenger numbers have risen, bus reliability has improved, customer satisfaction has increased and integrated ticketing has helped make travel simpler and more affordable.
His contribution to public transport was recognised earlier this year when he was awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours List for services to transport, building on an extensive career that has included senior leadership roles at Transport for London and Transport for Wales.
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Vernon and Sarah have been such driving forces behind the success of the Bee Network to date. Together, they’ve helped deliver major progress toward our goal of creating the joined-up public transport system that the communities of Greater Manchester deserve.
“I’m committed to going even further - growing the Bee Network to better connect people to jobs, services, friends and family. So much so that on my first day as Mayor I announced that we’ll extend Our Pass to also give free bus travel to 11 to 16-year-olds from January.
“I’m so pleased Vernon and Dame Sarah have both agreed to continue in their commissioner roles and will be by my side as we write the next chapter of the Bee Network’s story.”
Rail Integration in Focus
The next major milestone for Greater Manchester's transport network will be the integration of rail into the Bee Network, further strengthening links between communities, employment centres and education hubs.
Vernon Everitt said:
“It is a great privilege to continue serving Greater Manchester as Transport Commissioner, helping to build a more integrated, affordable and reliable public transport system, and securing the investment we need to match the city-region’s growth.
“I look forward to working with the new Mayor to keep improving services and bringing rail into the Bee Network to connect more people to jobs, education and opportunities.”
Active Travel Continues to Grow
Alongside improvements to public transport, active travel remains a key pillar of Greater Manchester's transport strategy.
Under the leadership of Dame Sarah Storey, investment in walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure has helped drive record levels of active travel. More than 700 million active travel journeys were recorded during 2025, supported by new cycle routes, pedestrian-friendly streets, School Streets initiatives and community programmes designed to encourage cycling for all ages and abilities.
The region's Starling Cycle Hire scheme and wider investment in accessible cycling have also contributed to increased uptake.
A highly decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey retired from competitive sport in July after a career spanning more than 30 years, during which she won 30 Paralympic medals, including 19 golds.
Dame Sarah Storey said:
“It’s been a privilege to shape the progress of Greater Manchester and I’m looking forward to working with Bev as Mayor to build on what we’ve achieved so far. We’ll help more people to feel confident to choose walking and cycling for everyday journeys around Greater Manchester.
“Our streets and roads are at the heart of our communities, and everyone should feel safe when using them – whether on the walk to school or cycling to the local park. There’s always more to do and I’m committed to making our streets safer and more welcoming.”
With bus franchising now fully established and rail integration on the horizon, the reappointment of both commissioners provides continuity for one of the UK's most ambitious transport programmes, as Greater Manchester seeks to deliver a fully integrated, London-style transport network under local control.
Image credit: TfGM
