First Bee Network train unveiled as Greater Manchester prepares to integrate public transport in 2026

The first Bee Network train has been unveiled, as Greater Manchester prepares to integrate all public transport options in 2026.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has this week revealed a step-by-step plan for bringing the region’s rail lines into the Bee Network to create the first truly integrated public transport system outside London.

With just one year to go until the first rail services start joining the Bee Network, industry leaders unveiled a new yellow Bee Network promotional train and set out how passengers will benefit from new services, improved stations, and simpler fares and ticketing in the months ahead.

The first two lines – which will connect Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge – are set to join the Bee Network from 13 December 2026.

Contactless ‘tap in, tap out’ ticketing will also rolled out across 17 stations on this date.

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Greater Manchester is on track to bring rail into the #BeeNetwork from December 2026. 🚆🐝

From new trains to station upgrades, contactless ticketing and step-free access – this is the start of a fully integrated transport system connecting trains, trams, buses and active… pic.twitter.com/FysCgzY72w

— Bee Network (@BeeNetwork) December 11, 2025

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says these initial two rail lines are ‘just the beginning’, with more lines set to follow in 2027 and 2028, and the further roll out of contactless and capped fares will work to join buses, trams, and trains together as Greater Manchester continues its journey to deliver an ‘affordable, accessible, and joined-up’ transport network.

By March 2026, the Bee Network app and TfGM website start to join together.

They will feature comprehensive rail station information, from car park and cycling spaces through to step-free access – with real-time rail departure and disruption information added by the summer, and journey planning available by autumn.

Also, another huge step in the plan, is that from May 2026, TransPennine Express will run 25/7 night-time trains to Manchester Airport as a way of supporting the region’s ‘thriving’ night-time and visitor economy.

Looking forward the future, additional and later-running services on the Airport, Alderley Edge, and Rochdale-stopping lines will be piloted from 2027.

And then, from January 2028, eight rail lines – with 64 stations included – will be fully integrated with Bee Network buses and trams, ‘tap and go’ payments, and daily and weekly fare caps, while the remaining 32 stations will join the system by 2030.

“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,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, as the first Bee Network train was unveiled this week.

“These changes will make everyday journeys easier and open up new opportunities for people across Greater Manchester.

Read more:

• Greater Manchester unveils latest vision to bring local rail under the Bee Network
• ‘Tap in, tap out’ train travel to be trialled in Greater Manchester
• Exciting new CGIs released of Greater Manchester town’s first train station in 60 years

“I am excited for what the next twelve months will bring as we build a better, more connected future for us all.”

Featured Image – TfGM (Supplied)