Anybody passing through Stockport recently will have noticed a number of shiny new yellow buses. 

Far from being just a colour change, these new buses form an early part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester's scheme to bring public transport under public control. 

Under the new system, commercial operators such as Stagecoach are paid to run the services, but no longer have the power to decide where buses run, how often or at what times. Neither do they set fares.

However, the rollout of the Bee Network is not yet Greater Manchester-wide. Currently, it is limited to Bolton, Wigan, and parts of Salford and Bury

Why, then, does Stockport have yellow buses if the Bee Network has yet to reach the borough? This is simply in preparation for when franchised services in Stockport officially start. This date is set for 5 January 2025. 

Stockport is part of 'the third tranche' of the Bee Network rollout, along with Tameside, Trafford, and parts of Manchester and Salford.

A Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) spokesperson said: "In the meantime, people in the tranche three area may spot some yellow buses on their routes as operators begin to adopt the Bee Network livery in preparation for the official start of franchised services."

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