in parts of Greater Manchester from September 1 as the Bee Network looks to support the region’s night-time economy and those who work within it, from hospitality staff to health and logistics workers.
Night buses will run on the V1 and the 36, connecting Manchester with Leigh and Bolton via Salford – areas which were among the first to be taken over by the Bee Network and whose buses are now under local control for the first time in nearly 40 years.
The trial will see services run at least every hour, providing 24-hour connectivity for around 135,000 people living within 400m – or about five minute walk – from the V1 and 36.
As Greater Manchester goes for growth, it recognises the importance of providing all workers with safe, reliable, round-the-clock public transport services to its major town and employment centres.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I’m really excited by Greater Manchester’s potential as an engine of growth – but it will only be fully realised if we have the transport infrastructure in place to get people to and from our thriving employment centres whatever the time of day or night.
The V1 and 36 have been chosen due to their proximity to key nighttime economy employment sites, such has hotels, bars and clubs, hospitals and distribution centres. They also serve areas with high numbers of people less likely to own a car and more likely to use public transport, including students.
The night-time economy is a major part of Greater Manchester’s economy, with 358,000 people working in jobs or businesses that are significantly active at night, accounting for around 33% of the Greater Mancunian workforce.
Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester said: “‘I have called for extensions to night transport services since I became the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester.
“It’s not fair that night workers should face more expensive transport options simply because of the hours they work. We often think of transport as being an issue for customers at night, but I am delighted to have worked with The Mayor, The Transport Commissioner, TfGM and the Bee Network and its operators to be able to bring in such an important pilot that has parity and equality for all workers, no matter what time of day or night, at its heart.”
According to the Greater Manchester Residents Survey carried out in February, more than a quarter (27%) of people said a lack of public transport at night has prevented them accessing opportunities including work, night classes, socialising or accessing late-night healthcare services.
Safety will be of paramount importance on night bus services. A team of Travelsafe Support and Enforcement Officers (TSEOs) has already been rolled out on the Bee Network to support customers, and this will be extended to support the pilot.
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