Funding from Greater Manchester’s £1.07Bn City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the wider Greater Manchester Transport Capital Programme has been allocated to support the continued delivery and improvement of the Bee Network and progress towards an integrated public transport system for the entire city-region across buses, trams, trains and walking and cycling infrastructure.
The pipeline of work approved by the Bee Network Committee will support a range of projects to improve performance of the network. Investment will also support the transport network’s role in delivering sustainable economic growth, increased productivity. It also has a vital role to play in unlocking development, enabling housing growth, acting as a catalyst for regeneration, reducing carbon emissions and supporting social inclusion and active and healthy lifestyles.
Among the schemes being backed by the funding include extension of the GM Active Travel Fund Tranche 4, which will see nine schemes to provide new or upgraded crossing facilities for those walking, wheeling or cycling in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford supported with £3.83M of investment. £1.31M will also go towards continued development of the Greater Manchester proposal for Northern Powerhouse Rail, connecting Liverpool to Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly with a new railway line, as well as wider connectivity at Piccadilly, the Airport and Wigan. It will also support the Liverpool Manchester Railway Board in helping to build a business case for this new railway corridor in order to meet partner ambitions and establish economic growth opportunities.
£1.8M will also support technology measures to improve customer travel information on the Bee Network and help with journey planning on the Bee Network app and third-party services, as well as real-time information at bus stops and interchanges.
Chris Barnes, Network Director for Infrastructure at TfGM, said: “Our pipeline of investment in transport infrastructure is key to the delivery and success of the Bee Network.
“I am delighted that funding for these projects has been approved by the Committee, as each one will play an important role in improving journeys for people across Greater Manchester, whatever mode of transport they use.
“We are committed to the continuous improvement of the Bee Network and it is essential that our transport infrastructure is robust, modern and enables a public transport system that meets the needs of everyone in our city region.”
Following the recent announcement of investment in transport infrastructure for Greater Manchester, RIA North Chair David Maddison commented: “As RIA North Chair, I – together with RIA North members and the wider supply chain – commend this investment in Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, which reflects a strong commitment to enhancing public transport accessibility and reliability.
“The diverse range of funded projects – including Greater Manchester Northern Powerhouse and high-speed rail related developments, and the Salford Central Enhancements scheme – addresses current challenges while supporting economic development and social inclusivity. Moreover, the emphasis on customer experience through real-time travel information and active travel initiatives aligns well with the need to develop high-quality mobility and sustainable transport.
“This funding approval represents a really proactive step towards building a transport network that meets today’s needs and fosters connectivity for a sustainable and economically vibrant future in Greater Manchester and the North.”
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