Night buses for every borough in major Bee Network expansion

Every borough in Greater Manchester will benefit from night bus services under a major package of improvements to the Bee Network, aimed at boosting connectivity, jobs and the region’s night-time economy.

Mayor Andy Burnham has unveiled 36 service changes, marking the most significant upgrade to the network since bus franchising was completed in January last year.

24-hour network across the city-region

For the first time, all 10 boroughs will have access to 24-hour bus services (Thursday to Saturday), with five new night routes introduced in areas including Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford.

The move is expected to support more than 625,000 people working night shifts, as well as those travelling for leisure.

Improved links to jobs and key destinations

The changes will strengthen connections to major employment and visitor destinations, including:

• Manchester Airport

• Trafford Centre and MediaCity

• Middlebrook Retail Park

• Kingsway Business Park

• Logistics North

Timetables will also be better aligned with shift patterns to support workers in key industries.

New routes and increased frequencies

Plans include:

• Three new bus services, improving links in Stockport, Tameside and Wigan

• More frequent buses during the day, evening and weekends

• Additional capacity on busy corridors such as Oxford Road, one of Europe’s busiest bus routes

Benefits for communities

Around 740,000 people will live within walking distance of improved services, with more than half in more deprived areas, where access to a car is lower.

The changes will also see buses cover an additional 2.5 million kilometres annually across the region.

Powered by local control

Leaders say the improvements have only been possible because Greater Manchester has brought buses back under local control, becoming the first area outside London to do so in 40 years.

Since franchising began:

• Bus mileage has grown by 7% year-on-year, more than double the national average

• Passenger numbers have risen by 14% in early franchised areas

• Punctuality has improved to over 80%

Supporting economic growth

The expansion is part of a wider strategy to support Greater Manchester’s £100bn economy, with improved transport seen as key to unlocking jobs, investment and growth.

Burnham said the changes were driven by public feedback and would help create more opportunities across the region.

“By expanding night buses to every borough and improving services to key employment locations, we are creating more ways for people to access jobs and opportunities,” he said.

Looking ahead

The improvements, subject to final approval, are due to be rolled out during the 2026/27 financial year.

Further enhancements are already being explored, including new routes and better connections to emerging growth areas such as Atom Valley.

With fares capped at £2 for a single journey and concessions in place for young people, older passengers and those in need, the Bee Network is positioning itself as a central pillar of Greater Manchester’s integrated transport system.