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24-hour ‘night bus’ pilot to begin across Greater Manchester later this year
Plans for the trial were first revealed back in February.
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A long-awaited ‘night bus’ pilot is to get underway across Greater Manchester in just over a month’s time.
As the Bee Network – which is Greater Manchester’s newly-launched integrated transport network – looks to provide much-needed further support to the region’s night time economy and all of those who work within it, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a 24-hour transport pilot will kick off from the start of September.
It comes after plans for the trial were first revealed back in February.
Night buses will first run on the V1 and the 36 to help connect Manchester with Leigh and Bolton, via Salford, as these were the first areas to be taken over by the Bee Network.
A 24-hour transport pilot will begin in parts of Greater Manchester from September 1.
— Bee Network (@BeeNetwork) July 21, 2024
Night buses will run on the V1 and the 36, connecting Manchester with Leigh and Bolton via Salford – areas which were among the first to be taken over by the #BeeNetwork.
Find out more👇… pic.twitter.com/spmoo2cgDx
According to TfGM, the trial will see services run at least every hour.
As Greater Manchester continues to “go for growth”, these new bus services will work to provide 24-hour connectivity for around 135,000 people living within 400m – or about five minute walk – from the V1 and 36.
The V1 and 36 have been chosen, not just because they provide bus services to the first Bee Network areas, but also due to their proximity to key night time economy employment sites – such has hotels, bars and clubs, hospitals, and distribution centres.
They also serve areas with high numbers of people who are less likely to own a car and therefore more likely to use public transport.
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Andy Burnham says he is “really excited” for the 24-hour night bus trial launch.
“Better transport at night is something I know people have been crying out for,” the Mayor of Greater Manchester said in a statement ahead of the launch later this year.
“The Bee Network allows us to develop the services that best serve people and businesses across our city region. Transport should never be a barrier to opportunity, and this is a step towards improving things for people who work or want to work in our hospitals, care homes, clubs, bars, distribution centres, or theatres.”
Read more:
- Plans for 24/7 ‘night bus’ trial on some services in Greater Manchester revealed
- Andy Burnham urges Keir Starmer to ‘move really quickly’ on the Northern Powerhouse
- Bus fares in Greater Manchester capped at £2 under new plans
The night buses will also use the same capped bus fares that were first introduced in 2022 to provide “a simplified ticket offer” that is consistent with services across the region.
Featured Image – TfGM