Manchester expands the Bee Network through £6 million investment, paving the way for tram and tram-train expansion to build a better connected and more efficient public transport network by 2030. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Greater Manchester secures funding for Bee Network
Source, photo: www.railwaypro.com

Funding drives Bee Network growth

This b ig investment was signed off by regional leaders earlier this week, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority met to speak about the plans today. The money will help deliver new routes, extensions and longer-term schemes in the integrated Bee Network.

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That such service would be available to 90 percent of residents with a five-minute walk to a 30-minute bus or tram when running by 2030. The objective also complements connectivity to the whole of the ten boroughs, providing access and economic growth.

PRIORITY WORKS East Didsbury to Stockport, due to start construction in 2030. There will also be in depth investigations of tram-train links to Hazel Grove, Tameside and Manchester Airport.

This year will see work start on the “Western Leg” of the Airport Line which will link Wythenshawe Hospital and Davenport Green and help unlock growth sites along the airport corridor. Strategic reviews, meanwhile, will explore possibilities of a northwestern connection to Leigh, Wigan and Bolton.

Bee Network to implement new fleet and underground plans

A city-centre underground transit line is being planned to connect to the potential Liverpool–Manchester rail improvements to future proof the city’s local rail plan. The proposed project would optimize operations for growing passenger throughout.

Furthermore, also a “silver” status is the proposed tram-train pilot on the Oldham–Rochdale–Heywood–Bury corridor, which sees consideration for construction start in 2028. The protection of the routes to Glossop, Hadfield, Marple and Warrington are also being looked at.

Next generation of double-length walk-through trams will replace Greater Manchester’s existing fleet to provide increased capacity in the highest quality surroundings for passengers.

Mayor Andy Burnham said: “This expansion is sending a clear message to the world as we prepare to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games that we are a global city, open for investment and with a transport system to match. Vernon Everitt, Managing Director of Customers, Communication and Technology at TfL, said: “Integrated mobility is boosting prosperity and opening up housing, jobs and opportunities.

Source, photo: www.railwaypro.com

What is the Bee Network?

Greater Manchester’s Bee Network is the city region’s integrated transport system, comprising buses, trams and, in the future, tram-train services. Read more on the official site.

How will the extension of the Bee Network make travel better?

It will provide quicker, more dependable services as well as cutting better connections across the city-region so fewer people need to use cars.

When will the Bee Network underground line open?

Plans are still in early development, with timelines dependent on future funding and project approvals.

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