Disabled Passengers Invited to Help Shape a More Accessible Bee Network

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is seeking new members for a specialist advisory group that helps ensure accessibility remains at the heart of the Bee Network’s development.

Disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions are being encouraged to apply to join the Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG), bringing their lived experiences to transport projects across Greater Manchester.

The group plays a vital role in identifying barriers that can affect travel and provides practical guidance to improve the accessibility of transport infrastructure, services and customer information throughout the Bee Network.

Established in 2008, the DDRG has spent almost two decades influencing the design and delivery of major transport projects. Managed by disability organisation Breakthrough UK on behalf of TfGM, the group works directly with planners and project teams to ensure accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of development.

Its contributions have helped shape several significant Bee Network schemes, including Stockport Interchange. Feedback from DDRG members helped create a more open and accessible layout, while also influencing the inclusion of Braille signage, accessible seating areas and a Changing Places toilet facility.

The group has also played a key role in the development of the Tyldesley Travel Hub. Recommendations from members resulted in a number of accessibility improvements, including ramped access to avoid a steep incline on Astley Street, enhanced lighting, improved Blue Badge parking provision and dedicated passenger drop-off points.

Beyond infrastructure projects, the DDRG has contributed to improvements in customer travel information, concessionary travel arrangements, ticketing systems and accessibility enhancements across the Metrolink network.

Highlighting the importance of the group’s work, Fran Wilkinson, TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, said:

“Providing a public transport system that’s accessible to everyone is one of the Bee Network’s top priorities, and the Disability Design Reference Group has been playing a crucial role in making this a reality for almost 20 years.”

She emphasised the value of drawing on real-world experiences when designing transport services and facilities.

“By drawing on their lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions, members help ensure accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of the design and development of important infrastructure and services from state-of-the art transport interchanges to the way in which we provide travel information to our customers.”

Encouraging applications from across Greater Manchester, Wilkinson added:

“We would strongly encourage anyone who is passionate about improving public transport accessibility in Greater Manchester to apply and help make a difference.”

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to contribute to a range of focused projects and consultations, either online, in person or through site visits. Members are expected to serve for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of extending their involvement to three years.

TfGM has confirmed that positions within the group are paid, with applications open until Sunday 5 July 2026.

The recruitment drive reflects the Bee Network’s ongoing commitment to creating a transport system that is inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of all passengers, ensuring that those with direct experience of accessibility challenges continue to help shape future improvements.