Contracts have been awarded to bus operators who will provide school bus services as part of the Bee Network in Stockport.

The Bee Network will roll out in Stockport from 5 January 2025. It means that buses locally will come under public control.

Diamond Bus and Go North West have been awarded the contracts to provide the school bus services in Stockport, Tameside and Trafford, covering a total of 37 schools.

There will be no changes to the schools served or the numbers of buses used under the new contracts.

The operators will be subject to financial penalties for poor performance.

Other operators such as Stagecoach will provide other passenger services throughout the borough, but they'll do so under Bee Network control.

Stagecoach will provide other bus services for the Bee Network (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Stephen Rhodes, TfGM's Director of Bus, said: "Awarding the last round of franchised contracts for school services is a major milestone towards delivering the Bee Network. 

"We are absolutely committed to delivering regular, reliable services to ensure they meet the needs of pupils who will be relying on them to get to and from school. We have made performance and reliability a key part of the contract award to deliver this positive change.  

"We look forward to working with Diamond Bus and Go North West Limited over the coming months as we prepare to deliver the completion of bus franchising on 5th Jan 2025." 

Spokespersons for Diamond Bus and Go North West were 'very pleased' and 'delighted' respectively.

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