People who live, work, travel, visit, or study in Greater Manchester are invited to help shape the future of travel in the city region by giving their views on the GM Transport Strategy 2050 and the GM Transport Delivery Plan (2027–37). The ambitious transport plans set out how the Bee Network could help Greater Manchester continue to be the growth capital of the UK through to the middle of the century – while also helping to tackle inequality and create a greener city region.
The further development of the Bee Network and a more reliable highways network – as set out in the strategy and transport delivery plan – will underpin this pioneering new approach, better connecting people with places, new jobs, opportunities, homes and services, including healthcare and education.
Greater Manchester has already made huge progress through the ongoing delivery of the Bee Network – a world-class integrated transport system which brings together buses, trams, walking, wheeling and cycling – with local rail services due to come on board by 2028.
By 2030, Greater Manchester wants 90% of people in the city region to be within a five-minute walk of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes.
What do the plans for Greater Manchester’s transport network include?
The GM transport strategy and delivery plan are an ambitious statement of Greater Manchester’s plans to invest in the right things to build the Bee Network, improve people’s lives and deliver good growth. This includes plans to:
- Sustain: Keeping the transport network safe and reliable by renewing and maintaining roads, the Metrolink network and rail facilities.
- Grow: By making travel easier with simpler fares and ticketing, more reliable bus services, new stops and interchanges (such as at Sandhills in Victoria North) and Metrolink lines (such as to Stockport) and an expanded walking, wheeling and cycling network. This will support unlocking growth locations such as the Northern Gateway in Atom Valley and Old Trafford regeneration in the Western Gateway.
- Transform: All local rail lines join the Bee Network, with Greater Manchester communities the first outside London to be served by fully joined-up cycle, bus, tram and train travel, by 2030, fulfilling the Greater Manchester Strategy pledge. Also explore a future metro and underground network to boost capacity and connectivity across Greater Manchester.
A detailed delivery programme listing schemes is set out in the GM Transport Delivery Plan 2027 – 2037, split into three phases, along with works in the regional centre and a broader ongoing set of works across the region.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “World-class transport is the key to unlocking further sustainable economic growth, higher productivity and reducing inequality. We’re already leading the way through the creation of the Bee Network and seeing the clear benefits it’s delivering. We know there is still a huge amount of work to be done and it is critical that we take a long-term view through this 2050 strategy and delivery plan.
“We’ve got exciting multi-million-pound plans which will improve transport across Greater Manchester, including continuing our work to make sure everyone is safe, and feels safe, using the Bee Network.”
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester is well underway in building the walking, wheeling and cycling components of the Bee Network. And part of that work is to make sure the region’s roads and public transport networks are safe, reliable and accessible for everyone who uses them.
“Transport unlocks opportunities, supports the creation of vibrant places and – by enabling people to walk and cycle – it also supports better health outcomes and improves physical health and mental wellbeing.”
How can I give my opinion in the consultation & how long is it open?
You can have your say on the future of transport in Greater Manchester online here, find out more about the plans and details about face-to-face drop-in sessions taking place across Greater Manchester as a part of the consultation.
Hard copies of the GM Transport Strategy 2050, GM Delivery Plan, consultation summary document and questionnaires will be available at public buildings (libraries, interchanges and information and ticket offices) across Greater Manchester and on request from TfGM on 0161 244 1000 or email transport2050@tfgm.com.
The consultation runs from Tuesday 9 December 2025 to 11.59pm Monday 9 March 2026. Feedback gathered through the consultation will inform the final strategy and delivery plan which will be adopted next year.
