As Stagecoach Manchester transitions into the Bee Network, it says goodbye to the iconic Magic Bus branding.

The operator’s Magic Bus service made its final journey on 4 January. To preserve its legacy, Stagecoach will donate one of its iconic low-floor double-deckers, introduced in 2006, to the Museum of Transport.

Over its 25-year tenure, Stagecoach Manchester and the Magic Bus service has had the support of more than 8,000 dedicated drivers.

“This is a landmark moment for Manchester’s transport” – Rob Jones, Managing Director at Stagecoach Manchester

Rob Jones, Managing Director at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “This is a landmark moment for Manchester’s transport. Our services have been part of the city’s story for decades, and we’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. As we transition to the Bee Network, we remain committed to delivering the same excellent service customers know and trust.”

“While the Stagecoach Manchester and Magic Bus services comes to an end, its place in the hearts of Manchester will never be forgotten” – Claire Miles, Chief Executive Officer at Stagecoach Group

Claire Miles, Chief Executive Officer at Stagecoach Group, said: “For over 25 years, Stagecoach Manchester has connected communities and delivered dependable, affordable travel, with the Magic Bus becoming an iconic symbol of the city.

“As we see a shift to the Bee Network, we take pride in the legacy we’ve built and thank our dedicated staff and customers for their support. While the Stagecoach Manchester and Magic Bus services comes to an end, its place in the hearts of Manchester will never be forgotten.”

Despite the end of the Magic Bus, Stagecoach continues to operate as a provider within the now fully-franchised Greater Manchester bus system, taking on the yellow livery of the Bee Network.

As Stagecoach Manchester hands over the keys to the Bee Network, the 1,600 Stagecoach Manchester drivers and staff will remain onboard to ensure customers continue to receive high-quality, reliable services.

Stagecoach Manchester – a timeline:

• 1996 – Magic Bus was launched on Wilmslow Road.
• 2000 – Introduction of the Beach Ball livery, becoming a recognizable part of Manchester’s transport.
• 2002 – Stagecoach Manchester run the contract to operate shuttle buses between Manchester City Centre and SportCity during the 2002 Commonwealth Games at a time where the Metrolink line did not exist. At the time, this was the largest multi-sport event ever to be held in England.
• 2010 – Inspired by a Facebook petition initiated by students from Manchester universities, Magic Bus introduced ‘Wizard Wednesdays’, where drivers donned wizard costumes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for a prostate and testicular cancer charity. The campaign, supported by nearly 11,000 people, lasted several years.
• 2012 – Following a significant investment in hybrid buses and other internal initiatives, Stagecoach’s environmental commitment was widely recognised. The company received multiple accolades, including the North West Carbon Reduction Award from the Business in the Community Awards and the ‘Large Business’ category award at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Manchester Large Business Awards.
• 2013 – Stagecoach wins Bus Operator of the Year at the UK Bus Awards.
• 2019 – Began partnership with Forever Manchester.
• 2020 – Stagecoach is proud to unveil Greater Manchester’s first double-decker electric buses in a £16.5m investment.
• 2022 – Stagecoach Manchester reveals special livery Armed Forces Covenant bus, showing its support to active service people and veterans in the area.
• 2023 – Stagecoach Manchester marks 25 years of service with a special livery bus honoring 30 of its longest-serving staff members.
• 2024 – Since the Forever Partnership began, Stagecoach raised more than £10,000 for the charity as of 2024.