Greater Manchester Launches Public Consultation on Transport Plans to 2050

Residents and businesses across Greater Manchester are being invited to share their views on the city-region’s long-term transport plans through a major public consultation.

The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2050 and its accompanying Delivery Plan (2027–2037), launched in December 2025, outline how the Bee Network will continue to support the region’s economic growth, reduce inequality, and meet climate targets. Developed in partnership with the 10 local councils and informed by feedback from businesses, community groups, and stakeholders, the plans are backed by £2.5 billion in government funding for projects through the early 2030s.

Key proposals in the strategy include:

• Enhancing transport links to new developments, housing, and key growth areas such as Stockport town centre and the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone.

• Maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure to keep the network safe and reliable.

• Improving travel convenience with better service performance, greater resilience, and simpler ticketing.

• Integrating rail services into the Bee Network for smoother, seamless journeys.

• Developing a world-class walking, wheeling, and cycling network that complements public transport.

• Upgrading streets and public spaces to make communities safer, more attractive, and more walkable.

• Expanding cycle hire and loan schemes to encourage active travel.

• Enhancing bus services with faster journey times and priority measures.

• Creating new stations, stops, interchanges, and travel hubs to improve access and comfort.

• Extending Metrolink and tram/train lines to connect more areas, including links to Stockport and Middleton, and to reduce travel times.

• Improving regional rail connections, including plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail serving Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly stations.

• Exploring the potential for a future metro or underground network to increase capacity and connectivity.

The consultation is open on the GM Consult website, where local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders can complete a questionnaire. Feedback can also be submitted via email or by completing a paper survey, available at public libraries and transport interchanges across Greater Manchester.

The consultation will close on Monday 9th March 2026. After this, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will review all feedback to inform any revisions to the strategy and delivery plan before final approval by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).