£30m boost for transport in Greater Manchester

Bee Network Committee approves bus, rail, active travel and EV charging projects

Greater Manchester is set to benefit from over £30m of investment to make public transport and active travel safer, cleaner, and more accessible.

Projects include improvements to access to rail stations and upgrading bus stops to provide real-time journey information for passengers.

The Bee Network Committee has approved a wide range of projects to improve how people move around the city region, whether by bus, bike, tram, or on foot. 

The funding is part of the £1.07 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, which helps fund the Greater Manchester's pipeline of infrastructure projects.

The Bee Network is all about connecting people to jobs, education, and opportunities, helping to grow the economy while also supporting cleaner air, healthier lifestyles. 

The committee approved funding to help deliver a range of schemes, including:  

Major projects

• Step-free rail stations – £16.8m. Four more stations – Swinton, Reddish North, Hindley, and Bryn – will become fully accessible, building on recent successes at Daisy Hill and Irlam.
• Bus stop upgrades – £4.5m. More than 220 bus stops will be enhanced with new shelters, raised kerbs, better road markings, and improved walking routes.
• Passenger Information Displays – £2.7m. Real-time travel information is coming to 319 bus stops locations and five transport interchanges, helping passengers plan their journeys with confidence.
• Sale West to Altrincham improvements – £2.2m. Upgrades to key junctions (A56/Barrington Rd and A56/Sinderland Rd) will include new pedestrian crossings and traffic signal improvements, making it easier and safer to walk, cycle, and catch the bus.
• Stockport: A6/Heaton Chapel – £2.24m. New Toucan crossings, 20mph zones, and better walking and cycling routes will make Heaton Chapel safer and more connected.
• Bolton: Topp Way/Higher Bridge – £2.5m. A new CYCLOPS junction and segregated cycle lanes will transform this busy area into a safer space for people walking and cycling.

A further £700,000 was approved for an electric vehicle (EV) charging pilot that will see innovative flush-fitting and pedestal EV chargers trialled in residential areas, offering discreet, shared charging options. 

An additional £400,000 will aksi support the Travel Hubs Access Programme, helping to improve walking and cycling access to Metrolink, bus and rail stops.

Chris Barnes, Network director for Infrastructure at TfGM, said: “The Bee Network is transforming how people get around Greater Manchester by providing reliable, accessible, safe, affordable and sustainable travel options.

“Key to its continued success is our investment in transport infrastructure, and these projects are the latest in a series of schemes that will play an important role in improving journeys for people across Greater Manchester.

“We're really excited about all the improvements we are bringing forward, including the changes we have got planned for bus stops, which will improve the experience for passengers by giving them real-time information at their stop in a similar way to London.”?

Cllr Tracey Rawlins, executive member for clean air, environment and transport for Manchester City Council, and disability advocate for the Bee Network, said: “In Greater Manchester a huge amount of time and money is being invested into making sure our transport network is accessible for everyone.

“The provision for step free access in this round of investment is a welcome addition to the range of interventions which are already in place, ensuring that our transport network is safe, inclusive and accessible for everyone.”