Andy Burnham has revealed a step-by-step plan for bringing the city 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, The Mayor and 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 – connecting Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge – will join the Bee Network from 13 December 2026, and will see contactless ‘tap in, tap out’ ticketing rolled out across 17 stations.
This is just the beginning with more rail lines to follow in 2027 and 2028, and the further roll out of contactless, capped fares, joining buses, trams and trains together as Greater Manchester continues its journey to deliver an affordable, accessible and joined-up transport network.
Next year will see from May , TransPennine Express running night-time trains to the airport, supporting Greater Manchester’s thriving night-time and visitor economy
Meanwhile stations on the first two lines will be refreshed with Bee Network branding and new customer information points
Greater Manchester is working with government to roll out tap and go contactless payments at 17 stations on the first two lines by December 2026, so there’s no need to worry about having the right ticket – or buying individual tickets – the best rail fare will be calculated for you, with a weekly rail cap.
Also from December 2026, a new pre-pay multi-modal ticket will launch, meaning you can use on any combination of buses, trams and trains across the city region. Similar to the approach taken to Bee Network buses, this will bring bus, tram and train together with a new pre-paid ticket.
From 2027, there will be additional and later running services on the Airport, Alderley Edge, and Rochdale stopping lines.
Then From January 2028, eight rail lines – including 64 stations – will be fully integrated with Bee Network buses and trams, with Tap and Go payments and daily and weekly fare caps.
The remaining 32 stations will join the system by 2030.
