Greater Manchester set for £69.5m ‘world-class’ transport network
New Metrolink stops, rail stations and bus routes are all part of the plans for a multi-million transformation of Greater Manchester's transport system.
Mayor Andy Burnham has announced £69.5 million will be dedicated to turning the region’s transport network into a ‘world-class’ system.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will be considering the new strategy – which involves the renovation of local rail stations and adding more stops to the Metrolink service.
Improvements are also set to be made to bus networks, whilst additional electric vehicle charging points will be installed across all 10 boroughs.
The Mayor said the new network would help to reduce social isolation and “build stronger and better-connected communities” following the pandemic.
Burnham stated: “As we look forward to our recovery, I am determined to speed up the delivery on a world-class, integrated public transport system in Greater Manchester.
“This package of improvements is designed to do just that and lay further foundations for Our Network vision for public transport. It will bring new services to communities with some of the poorest links, as well as improving access for people where it is most needed.”
The funding is being proposed as:
£20m to develop quality bus transit schemes
£15m for a new rail station at Golborne
£7m contribution to the Network Rail Greek Street bridge project in Stockport.
£2.5m funding business cases for new rail stations and Metrolink stops
£2m investment in a new Travel Hub, including Park and Ride, at Tyldesley.
£10m in match funding for EV charging posts across all ten local authorities.
£3.3m for Access for All Funding for next priority stations, including Swinton.
Up to £10m for further scheme development
Leader of Wigan Council David Molyneux called the prospective new station at Golborne “superb news”.
“It will connect the town and the wider area with Wigan, Manchester, Cumbria and the airport, providing more opportunities for our residents, reducing traffic on local roads and regenerating Golborne’s economy,” said Molyneux.
“This is the result of a lot of hard work, including from the local community, and I want to thank everyone who pushed hard for this to become a reality. This isn’t the end of the process, we still need to make the business case to government and our partners, but this will mean we have the money to deliver if we get the go-ahead.”
The upcoming investment is set to be the biggest revamp of local transportation since the £243m Transforming Cities Fund was made available in March 2018 – a pot used to fund walking and cycling infrastructure within the Bee Network and new Metrolink trams.
The Greater Manchester 2040 Transport Strategy is also being republished – with an aim to make 50% of journeys in the city-region conducted via public transport, bike or foot within 19 years.
More information on the 2040 Transport Strategy is available online.
News
Bee Network trams and buses hit by first wave of delays as thousands flock to Oasis gigs
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester’s Bee Network is now facing its first wave of congestion and delays as thousands of Oasis fans travel into the city region and towards Heaton Park by tram.
An approximate 80,000 fans are expected at each of the Live ’25 homecoming shows, with countless Oasis die-hards not just travelling from across the boroughs but up and down the county, as well as from overseas.
While additional tram services and bus provision have been planned way in advance of the huge music and cultural event, the delays and crowds are starting to gather as the show’s start times edge ever closer.
The official Bee Network social media team has now informed commuters and gig-goers of the current situation on the Metrolink lines.
Due to the volume of demand, there are queues for trams and delays to Bee Network services, but things are moving.
We've laid on extra trams for Oasis, with double-trams leaving full from Victoria every six minutes.
As you can see, with Manchester hitting temperatures of 30C today, while it makes for the perfect weather for an outdoor gig, there are growing concerns for those on public transport and queuing to get into the park.
In terms of the trams and buses, extra services are being put on throughout the city, especially on the direct line from Victoria Station to Heaton Park along the already packed post-work Bury line.
With “double-trams leaving full from Victoria every six minutes”, according to officials, while things are getting increasingly busier, they insist that things “are moving.”
An Oasis travel ‘masterplan’ was announced earlier this week to help deal with the hordes of fans; however, reports of those heading to Heaton Park being told to walk amid “hour and a half” wait times are already circulating online.
Today's the day it FINALLY all begins… can you believe it? 😭
Don't forget, if you're heading to Heaton Park later on, then @BeeNetwork has released its transport 'masterplan' for you to follow to make your journey seamless. 🎶🐝
With more Manchester dates coming this month, and the stage times for each concert now confirmed, authorities are once again urging Oasis fans to get there as early as possible – especially if they hope to get the best spot to watch the reunion shows.
It goes without saying that we hope everyone has an incredible time, but we can only echo their statement and would remind you all to stay hydrated, seek shade from direct sunlight when/where possible and look after each other.
And finally, for anyone with any questions ahead of Oasis’ Live ’25 reunion tour shows here in Manchester, you can find our full Heaton Park gig guide down below.
Featured Images —Megan Sheraton (via X)/Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)
News
Oasis issue official ‘severe weather advice’ ahead of Manchester gigs
Daisy Jackson
Two things are inescapable in Manchester this week – one, it’s VERY warm, and two, Oasis are back.
The Gallagher brothers will officially reunite on stage in their home city on Friday and Saturday night, for the first two of their five Heaton Park gigs.
And they’ve been greeted by incredibly un-Manchester weather – scorching sunshine and soaring temperatures.
It’s lead to Oasis themselves now issuing an official statement with ‘severe weather advice’.
And yes, they have now said that we should all be wearing bucket hats for our health. Brilliant.
Temperatures will hit 29ºC on Friday and 30ºC on Saturday, with very high UV warnings issued by the Met Office for both Oasis gigs.
Oasis have shared ‘severe weather advice’ for their Manchester gigs in Heaton Park, warning fans to ‘prepare for extreme sun and heat’.
They shared tips such as ‘wear sun screen’ and ‘stay hydrated’ both at the gigs themselves and when travelling back and forth.
Oasis also said ‘wear a (bucket) hat’ and to stick to the shade where you can.
They also added: “Look after yourself and look after each other.”
The Manc -
22nd January 2021 
