Bee Network Offers Free Bike Travel During Major Metrolink Upgrade Works

Passengers affected by summer tram closures can claim up to 20 minutes of free Starling Bike hire each day as Greater Manchester encourages active travel during essential track renewals.

People travelling across Greater Manchester during the latest phase of Metrolink renewal works will be able to take advantage of free daily bike hire as the Bee Network looks to ease disruption caused by major engineering works.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced that passengers travelling through areas affected by the temporary tram closures can receive up to 20 minutes of free Starling Bike hire every day, encouraging more people to cycle or combine active travel with public transport while essential maintenance is carried out.

The initiative comes as engineers undertake one of the largest sections of track replacement work on the Metrolink network in recent years.

Essential Tram Upgrades Underway

The engineering programme began on 13 July and will continue until 2 August, with teams replacing approximately 1.6 kilometres of tram track around Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield, sections of infrastructure that have been in service for more than three decades.

At the same time, improvement works are also taking place on parts of the Eccles line.

During the closure period, tram services on the Altrincham, Trafford Centre and Eccles lines—including services to MediaCity—have been suspended.

Meanwhile, services on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport routes are terminating at Firswood, with replacement bus services operating between affected stops.

Encouraging Greener Alternatives

To help passengers continue their journeys, TfGM is encouraging travellers to consider a range of alternative transport options, including Bee Network buses, walking and cycling.

As part of that strategy, anyone hiring or returning a Starling Bike in Firswood, Chorlton or Salford Quays can claim up to 20 minutes of complimentary travel each day.

The offer provides 10 free minutes for an outbound journey and 10 minutes for the return, helping commuters bridge the gap created by the temporary tram closures.

The scheme applies to both standard pedal bikes and electric bikes available through Greater Manchester's publicly operated Starling Bikes hire network.

Growing Active Travel Network

The initiative also highlights the continued expansion of Greater Manchester's active travel infrastructure.

Recent investment has delivered new protected cycle lanes, improved junctions and safer walking routes across areas including Stretford, Chorlton and parts of Salford, making cycling an increasingly practical option for shorter everyday journeys.

TfGM hopes the temporary disruption will encourage more people to experience the wider Bee Network's integrated transport options.

Planning Ahead

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at Transport for Greater Manchester, acknowledged the disruption the engineering works will cause but stressed the importance of completing the long-term investment.

He said:

"We know that this vitally important work on the Metrolink will have a big impact on passengers and we apologise for the disruption. We're encouraging everyone to plan ahead by using the journey planner on the Bee Network app or website."

Vaughan said passengers still have access to a range of affordable alternatives, including Bee Network buses using the £2 Tap and Go fare, replacement bus services and active travel options.

He added:

"We've got regular Bee Network buses that you can hop on for just £2 using Tap and Go as well as our replacement buses. We'd also like to encourage people to try walking, cycling and wheeling for part of their journey where possible.

"That's why we're offering up to 20 minutes of free travel on Starling Bikes every day, from and to stops in areas affected by the Metrolink works."

Supporting Accessible Travel

TfGM has also highlighted that accessible travel options remain available throughout the engineering programme.

All Bee Network buses continue to meet accessibility standards, while older and disabled passengers can also access the Ring and Ride service where appropriate.

Investing for the Long Term

While passengers will experience temporary inconvenience over the coming weeks, the track renewal programme is designed to improve reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and support the long-term performance of one of the UK's busiest light rail networks.

For TfGM, encouraging cycling during the closures is about more than simply replacing tram journeys—it is another step towards creating a fully integrated Bee Network where walking, cycling, buses and trams work together to provide flexible and sustainable travel choices across Greater Manchester.