Franchising branding in place in Bolton and Wigan

Greater Manchester’s franchised bus network is moving a step closer with Bolton’s and Wigan’s transport interchanges getting Bee Network branding. The first phase of the region’s bus franchising will be rolled out in Bolton and Wigan as well as parts of Manchester, Salford and Bury from 24 September.

The Bee Network logo, featuring Manchester’s iconic bee on a yellow background, can now be seen above the entrances to and around Bolton, Wigan and Leigh stations.

There are also Bee Network signs on window glazing as well as new wayfinding totem graphics on display as franchising rapidly approaches.

“Buses are at the heart of the Bee Network” – Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Buses are at the heart of the Bee Network – an integrated public transport and active travel system for the people and businesses of Greater Manchester.

“Our bus stations and interchanges in Wigan, Bolton and Leigh look great with their new splash of yellow and are now ready to welcome the first Bee Network buses in late September.

“All other stations and interchanges will progressively see the same changes as we work towards the entire network coming under the control of the Mayor and Greater Manchester’s districts by January 2025.”

As a new era draws closer, Transport for Greater Manchester will be donating the M symbol at Wigan Bus Station to the Museum of Transport. The design is adapted from the old GMPTE logo and is a familiar site at bus stops across the city region.

Some bus stops and shelters in the area have already been turned yellow or feature the Bee Network sign.