One Year to Go: Manchester Prepares for Fully Integrated Bee Network Rail Services
Greater Manchester is preparing to bring its rail lines into the Bee Network, creating the UK’s first fully integrated public transport system outside London. With just one year to go until the first services join, Mayor Andy Burnham and rail leaders unveiled a new yellow Bee Network promotional train and outlined the benefits passengers can expect in the coming months.
The first two lines, linking Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge, will become part of the Bee Network from 13 December 2026. Contactless “tap in, tap out” ticketing will be available at 17 stations, marking the start of a wider roll-out across more rail lines in 2027 and 2028. This integration will bring rail together with buses and trams, featuring capped fares and simplified ticketing for an affordable, seamless transport experience.
The programme includes a series of improvements over the next 12 months:
Simpler, fairer fares: From 7 December 2025, simplified fare structures will prepare passengers for the integration of rail into the Bee Network.
Ticket acceptance during disruption: From December 2025, passengers can use tickets across buses, trams, and trains in Greater Manchester during service disruptions.
Digital upgrades: By March 2026, the Bee Network app and TfGM website will provide station information, including parking, cycling facilities, and step-free access. Real-time departure and disruption updates will be added by summer, with full journey planning available by autumn.
24/7 rail services: From May 2026, TransPennine Express will run night-time trains to Manchester Airport, supporting the city’s visitor and night-time economy.
Station upgrades: Summer 2026 will see refreshed stations on the first two lines with Bee Network branding, customer information points, and improved connections to nearby bus and tram stops.
Major travel hubs: Collaborative improvements at Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations will enhance signage, live information, and customer support.
Step-free access: Following success at Daisy Hill and Irlam, upgrades will continue at Bryn, Hindley, Reddish North, and Swinton stations.
Contactless payments: By December 2026, tap-and-go payment will be available at the first 17 stations, automatically calculating the best fare with weekly rail caps.
New multi-modal ticket: A pre-pay ticket will launch in December 2026, covering buses, trams, and trains.
Pilot services: From 2027, additional and later services will run on Airport, Alderley Edge, and Rochdale stopping lines.
Full network integration: By January 2028, eight rail lines with 64 stations will be fully integrated into the Bee Network, with tap-and-go payments and daily/weekly fare caps; the remaining 32 stations will join by 2030.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“With one year to go until rail joins the Bee Network, we are on the cusp of delivering a fully integrated, world-class transport system for our global city-region. These changes will make everyday journeys easier and open up new opportunities for people across Greater Manchester. This is just the beginning—more rail lines will follow in 2027 and 2028, as we continue our journey to make travel safer, easier and better connected to local communities, so people feel they are getting good value for money. Bringing rail into the Bee Network, alongside our long-term vision for rail in Greater Manchester, are all part of our plan and commitment to maximise good growth across the city region for the next decade and beyond which our residents and businesses deserve. This transformation draws clear parallels with Greater Manchester’s successful bus franchising rollout, which has delivered improved services, simpler fares, and greater local accountability.”
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, added:
“More joined-up and affordable public transport enables sustainable economic growth, higher productivity and greater access to homes, jobs and opportunity for the people and businesses of Greater Manchester. With these rail services now set to be integrated with Bee Network buses, trams and active travel, better outcomes will be delivered in all of those vital areas. I’d like to thank shadow Great British Railways, the Department for Transport and Greater Manchester’s rail operators for working with us in real partnership to get us to this point.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“With the support of Government funding, passengers across Greater Manchester will soon benefit from simpler fares, more reliable journeys and better connections when rail becomes part of the Bee Network. Thanks to our rail reforms giving local leaders the power and support to deliver schemes like this, we are creating a fairer, more prosperous transport network that people can be proud of. This investment is not just about better journeys – it’s helping to unlock jobs, drive economic growth and support new homes across the region. I look forward to taking my first Bee Network train next year.”
The integration marks a major milestone in Greater Manchester’s transport strategy, aiming to create a truly connected, accessible, and affordable network for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.
Image: Transport for Greater Manchester