Major moment as bus franchising delivers first new bus route in Greater Manchester

First new Bee Network bus service will connect Wigan and Middlebrook retail park

• There will be twice as many buses between Wigan and the Trafford Centre

  
  

Greater Manchester’s pioneering Bee Network is set to introduce its first new bus route later this month.

It’s a year since the city region took back control of its bus network, giving local communities a bigger say in how bus services are run.

Since then, Greater Manchester’s buses have become cheaper, cleaner and more reliable and routes are being reviewed to help ensure residents can access opportunities and jobs.

From 27 October, Wiganers will benefit from new and improved services on a key commuter route, which will also boost access to two major shopping centres in the lead-up to Christmas.

A new 615 service will connect Wigan with Middlebrook retail park, with its wide range of shops and eateries. The hourly service restores a link to the popular retail park that was lost four years ago.

In addition, there will be twice as many 132 services connecting Wigan with the Trafford Centre, with buses running every 30 minutes instead of just once an hour.   

Before buses came back under local control, services were provided on a commercial basis by bus companies, with operators deciding on routes, frequencies, timetables, fares and quality standards.

Franchising has enabled Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to review service performance in detail and, importantly, respond to ensure they meet the Bee Network’s customer commitments. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The introduction of the first new Bee Network bus service is an important milestone.

“Once again, we are proving the benefits of a locally controlled and accountable bus network by delivering improvements for our local communities.

“With new and enhanced services connecting Wigan with the Trafford Centre and Middlebrook we are boosting access to jobs, retail and leisure opportunities – which is especially welcome in the lead-up to Christmas.

“The only way we can grow the Bee Network, improve services and keep fares low is if more people use it, so I’d encourage everyone to get onboard and enjoy our cleaner, cheaper and more reliable bus service.”  

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester said: “We have listened to feedback from the local community and I am delighted that we are moving quickly to introduce the first new Bee Network service connecting Wigan with Middlebrook and doubling the frequency of a key commuter and leisure route from Wigan to the Trafford Centre. As we further build the Bee Network, we look forward to working with all local authorities and their communities across Greater Manchester to shape a bus network that works for them.”

Passengers are encouraged to check any changes to their normal service by visiting a Travelshop or checking the Bee Network app or website. Information will also be updated on bus stops.

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “It is great to see these improvements to our bus services, with the Bee Network back under local control. Wigan borough was one of the first places in Greater Manchester to get Bee Network buses, and last month saw the V1 start trialling a 24-hour service between Leigh and Manchester Royal Infirmary.

“With the new 615 service restoring a previously scrapped route and more buses running from our borough to the Trafford Centre, these first 12 months have seen some great improvements in our local network.”

Nigel Featham, Managing Director of Go North West, said: "As operators of Bee Network services, we’re proud to be playing a key role in bringing new and improved services to Wigan and Middlebrook as part of the mission to transform local transport.  The introduction of the 615 is a fantastic example of how franchising can deliver real benefits to passengers by providing the services they need, when they need them most.

 "As we head into the busy festive season, these changes will make it easier for people to access major retail and leisure destinations, while also improving connectivity across Greater Manchester. We're looking forward to continuing our work with TfGM to deliver an efficient and customer-focused bus network for all."

Matt Rowlinson, Managing Director at Rotala North West said: “The increase in frequency of the Service 132 will provide better links for the people of Wigan, Ince In Makerfield, Hindley, Atherton, Tyldesley, Mosley Common, Boothstown and Worsley and will enable better opportunities for work and leisure travel.”