Storey and Everitt continue in roles to oversee Bee Network

Vernon Everitt

Vernon Everitt

Dame Sarah Storey

Dame Sarah Storey

Vernon Everitt and Dame Sarah Storey have been re-appointed as Greater Manchester’s transport and active travel commissioners to oversee the next phase of delivery of the Bee Network.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Nowhere else in the country is delivering a plan as ambitious as here in Greater Manchester, and in Dame Sarah Storey and Vernon Everitt we have two of the most knowledgeable and experienced people in their field to help us on our journey to transform public transport and active travel.”

Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt said: “The next four years will see further rapid improvements to transport for the people and businesses of the region. This includes completion of bringing together Metrolink, buses, trains and active travel into a joined-up Bee Network, all linked by simple and affordable fares, ticketing and customer information.”

The final phase of bringing buses back under public control in Greater Manchester will be completed in January 2025. 

Greater Manchester has been awarded £3m in ‘capability funding’ from Active Travel England to support the development of schemes and improve access to active travel through initiatives such as bike libraries or community grants. The funding may also support School Streets, with Greater Manchester aiming to have 100 schemes in place by 2028. 

Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner, said: “I’m delighted to be re-appointed as Active Travel Commissioner for the next Mayoral term and look forward to continuing to work with the team and people across Greater Manchester to help deliver the mission to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for most people’s short journeys in Greater Manchester.”