A pioneering devolution deal has been agreed for Greater Manchester which aims to develop a London-style integrated travel system. The deal includes plans to create a new franchising transport system known as the Bee Network and will include regional rail services which integrate with trams, buses, Metrolink and cycle hire all with simpler fares and integrated ticketing.

The first pilots to be rolled out on integrated fares through the Rail Partnership with Great British Railways are set to be agreed by the end of 2023.

Transport commissioner Vernon Everitt said: “The integrated Bee Network will transform how people move around our growing city-region and radically improve what it is like to do business here for generations to come. Better rail services are critical elements in delivering this.
“We are supportive of rail reform under Great British Railways (GBR) and I very much welcome this Trailblazer Deal. It provides a firm foundation for effective partnership working with GBR with clear initial actions to enable full integration of local rail services into the Bee Network by 2030.”
He added: “It is particularly exciting to see the deal’s commitment to simplified and joined-up fares and ticketing, with pilots for this to be agreed this year, and the branding of stations to bring everything together for customers. Having greater influence to shape train services and infrastructure investment is also very welcome.”

Andrew Haines, Great British Railways transition team lead, said: “To create a simpler and better railway for everyone in Britain, the railway must be much closer and more responsive to the needs of customers and local communities.
“This requires the creation of a new guiding mind which can ensure the railway fulfils its potential as a catalyst for growth and supports local ambitions for effective and reliable connectivity.
“We have been working together with Transport for Greater Manchester for some time and it is pleasing to see this collaborative work come to fruition with the announcement of this trailblazer devolution deal. We look forward to continuing to work closely with TfGM to deliver a railway that works better for passengers and supports the delivery of the Bee Network.