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There are plans to build the UK’s biggest indoor arena in Manchester
Gareth Lloyd -
28th February 2020
Gareth Lloyd -
28th February 2020 News
First 14 Greater Manchester train stations set to join Bee Network this year revealed
Emily Sergeant
The first 14 train stations in Greater Manchester that are set to join Bee Network before the end of the year have been revealed.
In case you need bringing up to speed, back in December of last year, Andy Burnham – who was then Greater Manchester Mayor, at the time – announced a step-by-step plan for bringing the region’s rail lines into the Bee Network, all with the aim of creating the first truly integrated public transport system outside London.
Eight commuter rail lines will be brought onto the Bee Network in phases through to 2028, with the final additions expected by 2030, so passengers can enjoy all the benefits of joined up buses, trams, trains and active travel.
And now it’s been revealed which stations are set to be the first to join.
The first two lines – which will connect Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge – will become part of the Bee Network from December 2026, with contactless ‘tap in, tap out’ ticketing also rolled out across 14 stations at the same time.
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Here’s everything you need to know.
The 14 Greater Manchester stations joining the Bee Network in December 2026
- Ardwick
- Ashburys
- Broadbottom
- Dinting
- Fairfield
- Flowery Field
- Glossop
- Godley
- Gorton
- Guide Bridge
- Hadfield
- Hattersley
- Manchester Piccadilly
- Newton for Hyde
The 15 stations planned to join the Bee Network in March 2027
- Ashton-under-Lyne
- Belle Vue
- Bredbury
- Brinnington
- Hyde Central
- Hyde North
- Manchester Victoria
- Marple
- Reddish North
- Romiley
- Rose Hill Marple
- Ryder Brow
- Stalybridge
- Strines
- Woodley
The 43 stations planned to join the Bee Network by December 2028
- Appley Bridge
- Atherton
- Bolton
- Burnage
- Castleton
- Cheadle Hulme
- Clifton
- Daisy Hill
- Davenport
- Deansgate
- East Didsbury
- Eccles
- Farnworth
- Gathurst
- Gatley
- Hag Fold
- Hazel Grove
- Heald Green
- Heaton Chapel
- Hindley
- Ince
- Kearsley
- Levenshulme
- Manchester Airport
- Manchester Oxford Road
- Mauldeth Road
- Middlewood
- Mills Hill
- Moorside
- Moses Gate
- Moston
- Patricroft
- Rochdale
- Salford Central
- Salford Crescent
- Stockport
- Swinton
- Walkden
- Westhoughton
- Wigan North Western
- Wigan Wallgate
- Woodsmoor
The remaining 25 stations planned to join the Bee Network by 2030
- Altrincham
- Blackrod
- Bramhall
- Bromley Cross
- Bryn
- Chassen Road
- Denton
- Flixton
- Glazebrook
- Greenfield
- Hale
- Hall-i’-th’-Wood
- Horwich Parkway
- Humphrey Park
- Irlam
- Littleborough
- Lostock Parkway
- Mossley
- Navigation Road
- Orrell
- Pemberton
- Reddish South
- Smithy Bridge
- Trafford Park
- Urmston
This means that contactless ‘tap and go’ payments with capped fares will be brought in across bus, tram and train services from 2030.
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All timings are subject to ongoing work between Greater Manchester leaders and the Department for Transport (DfT), Network Rail, Shadow Great British Railways, and Train Operating Companies.
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Significant disruption in Manchester city centre as water pours down Portland Street
Daisy Jackson
A burst water main in Manchester city centre is causing ‘significant disruption’ today, with Piccadilly Gardens and Portland Street both closed.
Water can be seen pouring down Portland Street with a large crack visible in the road’s surface.
As a result of the leak, Bee Network buses are having to be rerouted and a huge number of routes are disrupted.
Piccadilly Gardens – the city’s main hub for bus connections – has been closed until repair work on the burst pipe is complete.
TfGM said: “A water leak on Portland Street is causing significant disruption in the city centre.
“Portland Street and Piccadilly Gardens will be closed until further notice while work takes to repair the pipe.
“This is affecting bus services using Portland Street and Piccadilly Gardens.”
Bus routes affected are: 15, 18, 30, 33, 38, 41, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 50, 85, 85A, 86, 101, 103, 111, 142, 143, 191, 197, 250, 255, 256, 263, Free bus 1 and Free bus 2.
A United Utilities spokesperson said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by a burst water main on Portland Street.
“Customer water supplies have not been affected, and our teams are on site working to isolate the damaged main and complete repairs as quickly as possible.
“We are working closely with the police, TfGM and the council to manage disruption and reopen the road as soon as possible.”
Alison Chew, TfGM’s Network Director for Bus, said: “Due to a burst water main on Portland Street, buses in Manchester city centre are currently being diverted.
“Portland Street and Piccadilly Gardens bus station will be closed until further notice while utility companies carry out emergency repairs. We’ve also got our teams across the city centre to support passengers to make their journeys.
“Anyone planning to travel in or out of the city centre is advised to check the TfGM website or Bee Network app for the latest updates, including a list of affected services.”
You can follow the latest on the disruption HERE.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
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