Plans to improve Greater Manchester's transport network have been introduced in an effort to rival London. The new system will allow passengers of buses and trams across the network to 'turn up, tap and go' through contactless payments from March 23.

It is envisioned that commuters in Greater Manchester will not have to wait more than 12 minutes for a bus or tram. This will reportedly allow for a more fully joined-up service that is 'on par' with London.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "In London, passengers often simply turn up to a Tube station or bus stop knowing that they’ll be on board within minutes. Such a frequent and flexible public transport system shouldn’t be exclusive to the capital – and we promised Greater Manchester we’d deliver it with the Bee Network."

High frequency bus and tram routes in place for Manchester
The new map shows all the high frequency bus and tram routes in place for Manchester

The Mayor took back control of local buses in January, becoming the first region in the UK to do so in 40 years. He said this allowed for routes and service frequencies, as well as fares, to be organised to better serve communities.

He added: "Next, we’re launching tap and go across bus and tram, giving people the freedom to travel in a way that works for them. One of the biggest changes we’ve introduced in Greater Manchester, it will bring us more in line with London and make public transport more convenient, flexible and affordable than it’s ever been before."

A new map has been revealed by the Mayor showing all of the new high frequency routes planned for the network. Feedback from communities through Network Reviews will be used to shape future routes and service changes, while also improving existing routes.

The contactless 'tap and go' system has been on Metrolink since 2019 but will now be expanded to cover Bee Network buses. This means passengers will no longer need a ticket to pay for buses or multi-modal journeys.

What are the improvements in Manchester?

  • Introduction of integrated contactless "tap and go" payments across buses and trams starting Sunday, March 23rd
  • Automatic fare capping to ensure passengers pay the best value fare, similar to London's system
  • Creation of a unified network of 'high frequency' routes with buses and trams running every 12 minutes or less on weekdays
  • All Greater Manchester buses have been brought under local control, the first UK region to do so in 40 years
  • Bus fares are set at £2 for a single journey, £5 for the day, or £20 for a week across Greater Manchester
  • Multi-modal journeys (bus and tram) are capped at £6 per day (£5.40 off-peak) or £24.80 per week
  • 41 high-frequency bus routes now carry 54% of all bus passengers in the region
  • Over 1.2 million people (43.7% of Greater Manchester's population) now live within walking or wheeling distance of high-frequency services

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