Transport Secretary starts ‘bus revolution’ in Greater Manchester

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, is to visit Greater Manchester today (11 July 2024) to begin what the government describes as the ‘bus revolution’. She is to pledge to support every community to take back control of buses through franchising or public ownership.

She is to meet with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to discuss how the area’s Bee Network can be replicated across the country in an attempt to deliver better services, grow passenger numbers and drive opportunity to under-served regions.

The Transport Secretary is to pledge to create and save vital bus routes up and down the country. The plans will also provide safeguards over local networks across the country.

Greater Manchester’s Bee Network reports passenger growth on its buses by 5%, with revenue following suit.

The Transport Secretary will see first-hand how the Network can be replicated across the country. she is also to hear directly the challenges faced by Greater Manchester during its franchising journey.

The government plans to remove what it describes as barriers to achieving franchised bus networks, avoiding the six-year ‘slog’ Greater Manchester had to introduce the Bee Network.

“Buses are the lifeblood of communities, but the system is broken” – Louise Haigh

Louise Haigh said: “Buses are the lifeblood of communities, but the system is broken.

“Too often, passengers are left waiting hours for buses that don’t turn up – and some have been cut off altogether.

“Change starts now. This new Government will give local leaders the tools they need to deliver better buses up and down the country.

“Our plan will create and save vital bus routes by giving every community the power to take back control of their bus services through franchising or public ownership.

“We are already seeing how the Bee Network is delivering for people across Greater Manchester – we will ensure every community can enjoy the same benefits.”

“Greater Manchester has shown that our pioneering approach works” – Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Properly integrated public transport is the key to unlocking growth and opportunity across our city-region, improving the lives of our residents, supporting businesses and delivering greater value for money.

“The numbers speak for themselves – our Bee Network has more passengers than ever before and is providing a better service for residents.

“Greater Manchester has shown that our pioneering approach works and we look forward to working with the government to put power back into the hands of local communities.”

The bus plan is part of the new government’s ambition to develop a long-term, national strategy for transport. This is expected to ensure infrastructure can be delivered efficiently and on time while allowing local people to take back control of their buses, trams and trains.

“The industry stands fully behind the objectives of growing the nation’s vital bus network and improving passengers’ experiences” – Graham Vidler, CEO for The Confederation of Passenger Transport

Responding to the Transport Secretary’s visit to Manchester, Graham Vidler, CEO at the Confederation of Passenger Transport said today: “The industry stands fully behind the objectives of growing the nation’s vital bus network and improving passengers’ experiences.

“Change will require stable and adequate long-term funding and a toolbox of options for local leaders and bus operators to choose from to find the approach which will best suit their local community. Immediate action must prevent a cliff edge return to fully commercial fares when the £2 fare cap ends in December – a scenario that would harm passengers and services.

“We look forward to working hand in hand with the government to deliver change which benefits passengers across the whole country, prioritises buses in order to curb congestion and air pollution, and drives swifter progress towards the UK’s climate targets.”