Greater Manchester’s Bee Network has launched a new scheme designed to make becoming a Bee Network bus driver a more attractive long-term and flexible career.

The Licence for Greater Manchester (LfGM) will ensure drivers do not have to go on the starter rate of pay when changing between operators, as has traditionally been the case.

This extra flexibility is intended to allow drivers can move around Greater Manchester to develop their careers and keep broadly the same pay. Traditionally, drivers would have to start at entry levels of pay, even if they had years of experience with a different operator.

The safeguard to the pay of more than 4,000 Bee Network drivers (and that of all future recruits) comes after the scheme was agreed by bus operators, Unite the Union and Transport of Greater Manchester (TfGM).

It builds on work already undertaken around terms and conditions, including operators adopting the Greater Manchester Good Employers Charter.

“Not only do we want to attract new talent and nurture the next generation of drivers, we want to retain the experienced drivers who are fundamental to keeping the Bee Network running day in, day out” – Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “By bringing all bus services in Greater Manchester together under the Bee Network we’ve been able to deliver massive benefits to passengers, who no longer have to buy different tickets from different bus operators

“We can now extend that change to Bee Network bus drivers, who’ll benefit from this ‘one system’ approach, with the ability  to build a long-term career in Greater Manchester.

“Not only do we want to attract new talent and nurture the next generation of drivers, we want to retain the experienced drivers who are fundamental to keeping the Bee Network running day in, day out.

“I must thank Unite and other trade unions for their role in shaping not just this initiative, but the Bee Network itself, as well as the Transport Workforce Engagement Board which proposed the Licence for GM scheme.”

Bus operators are currently recruiting drivers to join them and contribute to the success of the Bee Network, with the LfGM making the role an even more attractive proposition.

Partners will continue to work on developing the LfGM, exploring further benefits it could deliver for drivers in future.

Operators’ comments

Patrick Sibley, Regional CEO, Metroline Manchester, said: “The Licence for Greater Manchester is a great opportunity for drivers in Greater Manchester, that will help to attract new talent into the industry as well as support existing colleagues. It is important step for the Bus industry in Manchester to give drivers to have greater choice over where they work, enabling them to move to their depot or employer of choice without having to compromise, providing them with continuity and progress. It is a positive development for drivers that gives them the ability to build a successful career as part of the Bee Network.”

Aaron Taylor, General Manager, First Bus Rochdale, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with TfGM and Unite the Union on the Licence for Greater Manchester (LfGM). We hope that the LfGM will not only give our drivers more flexibility but will inspire a new generation of drivers to get behind the wheel.”

Rob Jones, Managing Director, Stagecoach Manchester, said: “The License for Manchester is an important step forward to attract and retain drivers to the bus industry. As the first point of contact for many customers it recognises the vital role drivers play in the success of the Bee Network, providing stability and greater choice for drivers to choose where they work. Additionally, it provides the opportunity for drivers to progress their career in public transport within Greater Manchester.”

Matthew Rawlinson, Managing Director for Diamond Bus North West, said: “We are pleased to be part of the Licence for Greater Manchester initiative. This compliments the significant improvements in driver pay and conditions made in recent years, restoring bus driving as a career to be proud of.

Nigel Featham, Managing Director, Go North West, said: “We’re proud to support the Licence for Greater Manchester – it’s a positive step forward for the Bee Network and the people who make it work. This agreement shows the growing maturity of franchising in Greater Manchester and reflects a shared commitment to making the Bee Network a great place to build a career. It means experienced drivers can move between operators without starting over – which helps with recruitment, retention and, ultimately, better services for passengers.”