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Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced that a 24-hour transport pilot is set to get underway in parts of Greater Manchester from this Sunday (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 across two bus routes in Greater Manchester connecting the city centre with areas that have high numbers of people less likely to own a car and more likely to use public transport, including students.
Where will the night buses run in Greater Manchester?
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 V1 and 36 have been chosen due to their proximity to key nighttime economy employment sites, such as hotels, bars and clubs, hospitals and distribution centres.
The year-long Greater Manchester trial will see night buses run at least every hour in each direction, providing 24-hour connectivity for around 135,000 people living within 400m – or about five minute walk – from the V1 and 36. 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.
“I am delighted that tens of thousands of people in Greater Manchester will now be able to benefit from this pilot from Sunday onwards, and it is just another example of the Bee Network providing the platform to develop the services that best serve people and businesses across our city region.”
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: “Late night public transport is central to maintaining our position as a leading 24-hour European night-time economy. That is why I have made this a huge priority of mine since becoming Greater Manchester’s Night-Time Economy Adviser.
“Now that the Mayor has brought buses under local control, the Bee Network has given us the opportunity to deliver bespoke, timetabled services that work for our customers in a way that was not possible before franchising was introduced.
“From 1st September, the V1 and 36 bus services will provide 24-hour connectivity for around 135,000 people living within a five-minute walk. Late night workers will pay the same as those who work in the day and will finally have a cheap, sustainable and safe way to get home from their shift.
“I want to thank all colleagues from TfGM, GMCA and within our business community for getting us to this point and encourage all active at night – whether that be for work or leisure – to utilise these services so we can prove their viability and roll them out across the city-region.”
Safety will also be of great importance on the 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 night buses pilot in Greater Manchester. As part of the pilot scheme Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is also partnering with Strut Safe, a volunteer-operated support line which offers people a friendly voice to keep them company when walking between a bus and their front door.