Manchester’s Bee Network launches electric bus route

A new all-electric Bee Network service is now live in Salford, connecting the Greater Manchester city region’s fastest growing population with retail and economic hubs, previously an underserved area. 

Launched on 4 January, the new 30 service is operating from the Trafford Centre through Trafford Park, to MediaCity, along Ordsall Lane and to the city centre.

The launch comes exactly a year on from Greater Manchester becoming the first area outside of London to bring buses under local control after 40 years of deregulation. The move put control of the city region’s buses back in the hands of local decision-makers and communities as part of the Bee Network.

The 30 service is the fourth new Bee Network service, after the 629 Golborne to Platt Bridge, 615 Wigan to Middlebrook Retail Park service and the 631 Wigan to Standish.

Ordsall has seen significant regeneration in recent years, with around 1,000 new apartments built along the Ordsall Lane corridor. To support this growth, Salford Council has secured around £2m from local developers to help fund bus improvements for residents.  

Fran Wilkinson, head of customer and growth at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: “By bringing buses under local control we have put services back in the hands of our communities that make a real difference. It’s great to start the New Year off with another new service to better connect local residents, helping connect people to jobs, education and other opportunities across a growing and thriving Greater Manchester, so that everyone can live a good life.

“We’re seeing more and more people get on board with the Bee Network and we are determined to deliver continuous improvements across Greater Manchester to grow the network further in 2026.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is excellent news that the number 30 bus service has now begun operating in Salford — a positive start to 2026. This new route will significantly improve sustainable travel options for residents in Ordsall, providing better connections to employment, education, and leisure opportunities across the city.

“A considerable amount of work has gone into securing developer funding to bring this service to life, and its launch demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity and ensuring accessible, reliable public transport for all.”