Greater Manchester has set out a new ambition to become the first city-region to deliver a carbon neutral transport network.
The ambitious goal was announced this morning by Mayor Andy Burnham and Transport Commissioner Chris Boardman, ahead of travelling to the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.
Under the plans announced by the pair and published today on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) website, the city region’s bus fleet will be 50% electric by 2027 and 100% electric within a decade – a move that GMCA said would “singlehandedly reduce carbon emissions by 1.1 million tonnes”.
The Greater Manchester Ring and Ride fleet is also aiming to transition to zero emission technology by 2027.
The city’s tram network, the Metrolink, already runs on 100% renewable energy, and GMCA said funding has recently been secured to the develop the next stage of plans for expanding the network.
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Since Greater Manchester launched its ambitious active travel vision in June 2018, around £70 million worth of schemes have been completed or are under construction, and to encourage more walking trips, GMCA and TfGM has also today published a report that shows strong evidence for zebra markings to be authorised for use on side roads to increase safety and the number of people walking to school, work, and the shops.
The North West is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040.
— Greater Manchester Combined Authority (@greatermcr) November 8, 2021
The city region is also introducing the UK’s largest Clean Air Zone outside of London covering almost 1,300km2 and coming into effect in May 2022.
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The first fleet of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network cycle hire bikes – which will be one of the largest hire schemes outside London – will also be launched later this month, and will be carbon neutral.
Speaking on the launch of the plans today, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Greater Manchester is already leading the way in transport decarbonisation through our light rail network, the largest in the country, that runs on 100% renewable energy, [and] today we’re going one step further and setting out a new ambition to be the first UK city-region to deliver a carbon neutral transport network, including full electrification of our buses in the next decade.
“We’ve already started building the UK’s largest cycling and walking network, with £70 million worth of active travel schemes either completed or now under construction.
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“This investment has helped enable thousands of people to change their daily lives, residents who’d previously not have considered walking or riding can now travel without cars for everyday trips in safety.
“The benefits of a carbon neutral transport network are huge [as] we’ll be boosting our health and improving air quality, and at the same time creating better places to live.
“We’re ahead of the curve on Metrolink, now we need to apply that carbon neutral aim to everything we do.”
Greater Manchester has set out a new ambition to become the first city-region to deliver a carbon neutral transport network / Credit: TfGM
Chris Boardman – Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester added – added: “Full electrification of our buses, continued delivery of the UK’s largest active travel network and the introduction of the largest clean air zone outside London will be a massive boost to Greater Manchester’s green credentials.
“I’m absolutely delighted that our world class active travel network is now taking shape. This year is a game changer for Greater Manchester – the plan is becoming a reality.
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“Our spend per head on active travel in Greater Manchester is currently around £18 per year – that’s almost at the levels enjoyed in Denmark and The Netherlands – and I’m hugely proud of what we’ve delivered so far to make our city greener and healthier [so] today’s commitment for a carbon neutral transport network is proof yet again of our unwavering dedication to a 10-year mission of making the city-region one of the best places in the world to travel on public transport, on foot and by bike.”
“This is a scheme designed for and with the communities of Greater Manchester and it’s been great to get out on one of the bikes today for a test run to see exactly how they work,” Chris Boardman added.
The first fleet of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network cycle hire bikes will also be launched later this month / Credit: TfGM
“The new hire cycles will play a key role in the integrated transport network we are establishing in Greater Manchester and will not only help to tackle carbon emissions, they will also help to reduce congestion.
“We’ve taken the time to look at exactly how the scheme should work and have invested in ensuring the bikes and infrastructure are high quality and there are the resources available to manage it effectively on a day-to-day basis, delivering a great level of customer service.”
The public trial of the bike scheme begins on 18 November, when people will be able to access bikes along Oxford Road in Manchester city centre, at the University of Salford and at MediaCityUK. The trial and use of the bikes will be closely monitored and fed into the approach for the full scheme when it launches in June 2022.
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You can find out more about Greater Manchester’s plans for a carbon neutral transport network, and about how the Bee Bikes will work via the GMCA website here.
Featured Image – Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)
Manchester
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group
Manchester
Salford’s popular women’s running race is returning for 2026
Danny Jones
The popular women’s only five-mile race in Salford is back for another year, and it’s set to be one of the biggest yet.
Returning for its 34th iteration this spring, the 2026 edition of the Swinton Ladies Race is a mix of trail, gravel and road running.
It’s also remained a great entry-level run since it began, perfect not only for all ages and experience levels, but for those looking for a step-up in ability level and challenge with the mixed terrain.
Last May saw one of the best turnouts in the event’s history, and the Swinton Running Club founders are hoping for another big showing.
Now boasting a total of 400 places, the Swinton Ladies Race has remained a long-established cult favourite among locals over the past couple of decades.
Founded back in 1991 (then under the Worsley Woods Trail Race banner), it’s only grown in reputation but has still stayed true to its community-driven roots.
A one-lap course of lasting five miles, the course itself takes you through the aforementioned woodlands, as well as sections of trail and more defined paths.
Other notable sites featured include the Old Warke Dam, parts of the Bridgewater Canal and said Woods, which help make up a good chunk of the largest conservation area in Salford.
As they put it: “Whether you’re training for a new challenge or looking for a sociable jog in the fresh countryside air, join us and enjoy a trail race through Worsley.”
In addition to promising chip times, bespoke medals for all finishers, free parking and plenty of other little perks, it’s also just super accessible and good value-for-money.
As for the race route itself, there are drinks stations at the halfway point and finish line, first aiders on hand should anyone need help, and, of course, toilet facilities; it’s just a very well-run event all-round.
The organisers – who are teaming up with run promoters SheRACES for 2026 – do advise trail shoes where possible, especially if it’s been raining in the days leading up to the starting gun, but road trainers will still do you just fine.
Road or trail shoes are suitable for the course; we would advise trail shoes if the days leading up to the race have been extremely wet.
The price for affiliated runners is just £15, while unaffiliated participants can sign up for £17 plus a booking fee of £2 entry on the day (subject to availability). It’s also worth noting, however, that this is very much first-come, first-served. You can grab your race ticket and bib for Sunday, 3 May, right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
8th November 2021 
