Manchester’s mayor says his goal is a fully integrated public transport system
By Sarah Clark
The UK city of Manchester has completed the rollout of open loop contactless ticketing across its entire bus and tram network and announced plans to integrate rail services into the system in three years’ time.
“By introducing contactless tap and go across both Bee Network buses and trams, Greater Manchester has realised its long-held ambition of having a truly multi-modal, integrated and affordable transport system that is on par with other major cities around the world,” Transport for Greater Manchester says.
“This offer will be further enhanced with the integration of rail services and stations into the Bee Network by 2028.”
“We said we would deliver a London-style transport network for the people and businesses of Greater Manchester and that is exactly what we have done,” Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, says.
“We have led the way with franchising and been able to bring buses together with the largest tram network in the country under one system that makes travelling across Greater Manchester easier, more affordable and more convenient than ever before.
“Today is the culmination of years of hard work to deliver a public transport network befitting of Greater Manchester’s place as a world-leading city-region that works for our people, businesses and many millions of visitors.
“With a more joined-up experience, where people can choose to leave their car at home and use public transport, there’s never been a better time to get on board the Bee Network and take advantage of the incredible value it has to offer.”
“Tap and go will be a real game changer for the Bee Network as the quickest and easiest way for passengers to pay for their bus and tram travel,” transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, Vernon Everitt adds.
“Automatic capping of fares opens up opportunities to make more flexible and affordable journeys under a simpler fares structure.
“Payment by contactless bank card is already the most popular way to pay for travel on Metrolink with record numbers of people using it every year. After integrating the way people pay for Metrolink and bus journeys, our focus will move on to working with Government and the rail industry to bring train travel within this system.
“By 2028 Greater Manchester will then have a fully joined-up fares system across tram, bus and local train services.”
