new 24/7 night bus service which aims to provide a lifeline for people enjoying and working within Greater Manchester’s night-time economy is launching overnight this Sunday (1st September).
Connecting Manchester with Leigh and Bolton via Salford, the V1 and 36 will now run at least every hour in each direction, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and on most bank holidays*.
Both routes also serve areas which were among the first to be taken over by the Bee Network in September 2023, and whose buses are now under local control for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Night buses will also use the same capped bus fares first introduced in 2022 to provide a simplified ticket offer consistent across all bus services in Greater Manchester.
The year-long trial will provide 24-hour connectivity for around 135,000 people living within a five-minute walk from the two routes – including students and people working in the hospitality, healthcare and logistics sectors. The routes also connect with taxi ranks, Starling Bank Bikes and e-scooter stations, supporting options for onward travel.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Ensuring that everyone working in our night-time economy can access safe, reliable, around-the-clock public transport is hugely important as our thriving region continues to grow.
“We know that people have been crying out for better night transport, and it was clear to us that Greater Manchester can only realise its potential as a catalyst for growth if we have the right infrastructure to get people to and from employment centres whatever the time, day or night.
“Night buses will provide a lifeline to those working in this vitally important sector, which includes health and social care, bars and clubs, distribution centres, where shifts can go on into the night and early morning when public transport options are scarce and personal safety may be a concern.
