Andy Burnham Warns Rail Must Change to Protect Bee Network Reputation

Andy Burnham has admitted he is concerned that Greater Manchester’s expanding rail network could damage the reputation of the Bee Network unless the railway industry undergoes significant cultural change.

Speaking in an interview with RAIL magazine prior to announcing his intention to stand in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, the Greater Manchester Mayor said he believes rail operators must become more responsive, passenger-focused and adaptable if they are to successfully integrate into the Bee Network model.

Eight rail lines across Greater Manchester are scheduled to become part of the Bee Network by the end of 2028, with the first routes to Hadfield and Rose Hill Marple due to transfer later this year.

But Burnham warned that unless rail services become more aligned with the standards already being delivered across buses and trams, the wider Bee Network brand could suffer.

“The danger is, if we don’t get enough of the culture change that I feel the railway still needs, I will be nervous about rail damaging the Bee Network brand. That’s something we can’t let happen,” he said.

“Dynamic and Agile” Network

Burnham described the Bee Network’s bus and tram operations as “dynamic and agile”, suggesting that the traditional railway industry still operates too slowly and remains overly constrained by central government thinking and cost-driven decision making.

He argued that transport planning outside London continues to be shaped by short-term cost concerns rather than long-term economic growth and regional development.

“I just think we’re still in a position where cost is driving decision-making here, but it just isn’t in London and the South East,” Burnham said.

He also criticised what he sees as a culture within the rail sector of anticipating objections from the Department for Transport rather than proactively delivering what city-regions actually need.

“I think the industry is always second guessing what the Department for Transport will say. And then it doesn’t actually come forward with the things that the city actually needs.”

Frustration Over Manchester Rail Capacity

The Mayor also expressed frustration over the lack of a long-term rail infrastructure strategy for Manchester city centre following the cancellation of the proposed “Package C” scheme in 2023, which would have delivered two additional platforms at Manchester Piccadilly station.

The removal of the project has continued to fuel concerns around rail capacity constraints in Manchester as passenger demand grows and more services are introduced across the region.

Despite his criticism, Burnham acknowledged there have been positive examples of collaboration within the industry.

He praised Network Rail and Avanti West Coast for working together to operate dedicated train services to London following the BRIT Awards, despite engineering works closing the line between Manchester Piccadilly and Stockport to most other traffic.

He also welcomed TransPennine Express’ decision to introduce overnight services to Manchester Airport from 18 May, describing it as another important step towards creating a more modern and integrated transport system.

Speaking about the launch of the overnight trains, Burnham said:

“We’re proud of our thriving night-time economy, and we’re looking to back it with transport that matches how people live and work.

“These all-night trains will help people get to where they need to be — whether that’s catching an early flight, getting home after a late shift, or travelling into town to enjoy everything our night-time economy has to offer.”

He added that the improvements reflected the wider direction of travel for the Bee Network.

“It’s a great example of partners working together for Greater Manchester, and it underlines our direction of travel with the Bee Network: one integrated, passenger-focused network across buses, trams and trains that works for the millions of people living in and visiting our city-region.”

The comments come at a significant moment for Burnham politically, with increasing speculation surrounding his national ambitions following his decision to stand in the Makerfield by-election — a move many see as a potential route back into Westminster.