An important update for Stockport's upcoming Bee Network programme has been announced.

Contracts have been awarded to bus operators, who will provide services for the Bee Network, Greater Manchester's publicly-controlled transport system.

In Stockport, a 'large' franchise has been awarded to Stagecoach, and a 'small' franchise to Diamond.

The Bee Network will roll out in Stockport and South Manchester from 5 January 2025, having already rolled out in Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford and parts of north Manchester.

According to Transport for Greater Manchester, the Bee Network services will be more reliable, and more accountable; passengers will be able to rate their journeys, including punctuality and reliability.

The Bee Network rollout in January 2025 will follow the opening of Stockport's new travel interchange (Image - Stockport Council)

Passengers can also expect more frequent, earlier, and later-running services.

These include later trips on the 314 and 325 for train connections at Stockport, earlier trips on the 330, and earlier and later services on the 347 to connect with Metrolink services at Ashton.

There will also be 120 brand new electric buses as part of the rollout.

Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Eamonn Boylan, said: "Awarding the last round of franchised contracts is a major milestone towards delivering the Bee Network. That ambition is central to our devolution journey.

"It's exciting to think that in around nine months' time all bus services across the whole of Greater Manchester will be under local control and accountable to the people they serve."

~

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter