Eagle-eyed viewers of Coronation Street – the world’s longest running soap opera – will soon get their first glimpse of the Bee Network following its arrival in Weatherfield − so you could say the Bee Network has finally made it.
Having launched initially in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Bury and Salford, the move to Weatherfield comes just days before it is rolled out in Oldham, Rochdale and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester.
The Bee Network is Greater Manchester’s plan for an integrated, affordable and accessible transport network, with locally controlled and accountable bus services a key part of it.
It launched last September, with a new brand and logo landing on buses, stations, stops and interchanges, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has been working with Coronation Street’s art and production team to bring it to the cobbles.
The Street’s bus stop has been updated with a new Bee Network sign, which includes information of its two local bus services – 33 and 33b – that serve nearby Rosamund Street and Weatherfield General Hospital – with the first scenes featuring the new Bee Network branding due to air soon.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Coronation Street is a cultural institution, watched and loved by millions of people up and down the country.
“When you think of it, you think of Greater Manchester, in the same way that the Bee Network is very quickly becoming synonymous with our great city-region. We’re excited to be bringing the Bee Network to Weatherfield and look forward welcoming everyone on-board – so long as the drama stays on the street.”
John Whiston, MD Continuing Drama, added: “It’s so handy having a bus stop connected to the Bee Network right there on Coronation Street. Walk a few yards from Roy’s Rolls or The Rovers and you can hop on a bus and ‘bee’ whisked into the heart of Manchester. Whether for work or pleasure, on their way to meet a secret lover or murder a business rival, all our characters love the Bee Network.”
So, keep your eyes peeled and see if you can see the first glimpse of the Bee Network on the famous cobbles of Coronation Street! It is broadcast on ITV1 weekdays at 8pm.