The Mayor of Greater Manchester named the first railways which will join the region’s Bee Network next year, as he unveiled a Northern Class 323 electric unit in promotional Bee Network livery at Manchester Piccadilly.

At the moment, the network consists of Metrolink trams and recently-franchised buses, and heavy rail routes are set to join them within a year.

The first two lines, to Glossop and Stalybridge, will join the Bee Network on 13 December 2026, when contactless ‘tap in, tap out’ integrated ticketing is introduced on 17 National Rail stations, which will also be equipped with information points. Simpler fares have already been introduced, and they will apply on Bee Network trains, trams and buses.

Work on step-free improvements is under way at Bryn station in Wigan, and similar work is due to start at Hindley, Reddish North and Swinton in the coming year.

By March 2026, the Bee Network app and TfGM website will offer comprehensive station information, from car park and cycling spaces through to step-free access. Real-time departure and disruption information will be added by the summer, with journey planning available by autumn next year.

Another six local railways and 64 stations are due to join the Bee Network in 2027 and 2028, with the last 32 stations joining the system by 2030.

Regeneration will also be encouraged in Ashton and Stalybridge by a form of Mayoral Development Corporation.

Mayor Andy Burnham said: ‘With one year to go until rail joins the Bee Network, we are on the cusp of delivering a fully integrated, world-class transport system for our global city-region. These changes will make everyday journeys easier and open up new opportunities for people across Greater Manchester. I am excited for what the next twelve months will bring as we build a better, more connected future for us all.

‘This is just the beginning—more rail lines will follow in 2027 and 2028, as we continue our journey to make travel safer, easier and better connected to local communities, so people feel they are getting good value for money.

‘Bringing rail into the Bee Network, alongside our long-term vision for rail in Greater Manchester, are all part of our plan and commitment to maximise good growth across the city region for the next decade and beyond which our residents and businesses deserve. This transformation draws clear parallels with Greater Manchester’s successful bus franchising rollout, which has delivered improved services, simpler fares, and greater local accountability.’

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