night transport pilot will see services run at least every hour, providing 24-hour connectivity for around 135,000 people.
As revealed last month, night buses will run on the V1 and the 36 which operate to Manchester from Leigh and Bolton respectively, areas which fall within the Bee Network, where bus services are back under local control for the first time in almost 40 years.
Further details – included in a report to the Bee Network Committee – confirms that the pilot will launch later this year and will run for a year, with a review point planned to allow councillors to consider the performance and cost of the scheme, and whether the frequency can be increased.
Buses will run at least once per hour in each direction on both routes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week**.
The night buses will also use the same capped bus fares first introduced in 2022 to provide a simplified ticket offer which is consistent with services across Greater Manchester.
As part of the pilot’s development over the coming months, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will work with the TravelSafe Partnership to consider the appropriate level of support at key interchanges and onboard buses, including in-person patrols.
The rollout will be supported by TravelSafe Live Chat, which the travelling public will be able to access via the Bee Network app to discreetly report crime and antisocial behaviour to professionally trained Greater Manchester Police call handlers.
Members of the Bee Network Committee endorsed the scheme at a meeting yesterday
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester is a 24-hour city and should have a public transport system to match, so I’m delighted that we’re introducing a night bus pilot in the next few months that will support workers – whether that’s in health and social care, bars and clubs, distribution centres or anywhere else – as well as those wanting to get home after a night out.
“We know how important it is that people feel safe when using public transport at any time of day, but especially at night. As we develop our plans for the pilot, we’ll be working closely with the TravelSafe Partnership, Greater Manchester Police and voluntary organisations to make sure the right level of support is available so people can travel at all times of day with confidence.
