Metroline enters Bee Network

Metroline, part of multi-modal transport operator ComfortDelGro, has commenced operation of 232 bus services in Greater Manchester as part of the Bee Network.

Metroline makes the move to Manchester after already operating 17% of London’s bus network. The operator says its expertise in operating a reliable bus service across both busy urban centres and quiet local communities in the capital has been invaluable in building the foundation for a successful operation in Manchester.

After being awarded four franchises by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in March 2024, the team led by Regional CEO Patrick Sibley has been working to prepare for operation in Manchester. A training school was quickly established at Wythenshawe depot to begin cultivating a team of highly trained bus drivers who are safety-focussed, friendly and confident on the roads. Supported by an experienced team of driver trainers, over 100 drivers have successfully passed through training as of January 2025.

A locally based management team comprised of talented individuals with experience from across the bus industry in the north west has been brought together, supplemented with expertise from London and across the global ComfortDelGro group.

In addition to new jobs, Metroline is also bringing new vehicles to Greater Manchester, with AD Enviro200 MMCs, Wright Streetdeck Ultroliners and Volvo/MCV BZLs, which drivers have been undergoing extensive type training on. Metroline is in the process of implementing infrastructure that will allow for as many as 134 new electric vehicles to join its Manchester fleet in the coming months.

With the commencement of its operations in Greater Manchester, Metroline now manages over 300 routes, operating more than 1,700 vehicles supported by nearly 6,000 employees in the UK.

“It has taken many months of preparation and hard work, but I’m proud of the team that we’ve brought together and the operation that we’ve been able to build in anticipation of this point” – Patrick Sibley, Regional CEO for Metroline

Patrick Sibley, Regional CEO for Metroline, said: “We are delighted to formally enter operation on the Bee Network, and serve the people of Greater Manchester. It has taken many months of preparation and hard work, but I’m proud of the team that we’ve brought together and the operation that we’ve been able to build in anticipation of this point.

“From highly trained professional drivers to brand new buses, we want to give local communities the best journeys possible when travelling on our services. We look forward to continuing our close working relationship with Transport for Greater Manchester as we enter operation, and are determined to deliver an outstanding transport experience for our customers on the Bee Network.”

“The successful launch of bus operations in Manchester is a significant milestone for Metroline as we expand out of London” – Edward Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Europe Business Unit, ComfortDelGro

Edward Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Europe Business Unit, ComfortDelGro, said: “The successful launch of bus operations in Manchester is a significant milestone for Metroline as we expand out of London. Our strong track record in London and now in Manchester positions Metroline as the partner of choice for future bus franchises in the UK. We look forward to bringing innovative mobility solutions for safe, reliable journeys to communities across the UK.”

• See B&CB’s coverage of the launch of the full roll-out of the Bee Network in our latest issue (B&CB 1694, 10 December 2025), available to view online from Wednesday (8 January 2025).