A trial run of the Bee Network’s night buses will start in Salford this September.
The 24-hour buses will run on the V1 and the 36, connecting Manchester with Leigh and Bolton via Salford.
The trial will begin on September 1 as the Bee Network looks ‘to support the region’s night-time economy’.
The trial will see services run at least every hour, providing 24-hour connectivity for around 135,000 people living within 400m – or about five minute walk – from the V1 and 36.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I’m really excited by Greater Manchester’s potential as an engine of growth – but it will only be fully realised if we have the transport infrastructure in place to get people to and from our thriving employment centres whatever the time of day or night.
![24-hour bus](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/webversion-12.jpeg)
“Better transport at night is something I know people have been crying out for, and I must thank Sacha Lord, who has been instrumental in getting us to the point where we can confirm the first night Bee Network services are now just a few weeks away.
“The Bee Network allows us to develop the services that best serve people and businesses across our city region. Transport should never be a barrier to opportunity, and this is a step towards improving things for people who work – or want to work – in our hospitals, care homes, clubs, bars, distribution centres or theatres.”
The V1 and 36 have been chosen due to their proximity to key night-time economy employment sites, such has hotels, bars and clubs, hospitals and distribution centres. They also serve areas with high numbers of people less likely to own a car and more likely to use public transport, including students.
The night buses will use the same capped bus fares first introduced in 2022 to provide “a simplified ticket offer” which is consistent with services across Greater Manchester.
![24-hour bus](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/webversion-3-1024x682-1.jpeg)
The night-time economy is a major part of Greater Manchester’s economy, with 358,000 people working in jobs or businesses that are significantly active at night, accounting for around 33 per cent of the Greater Mancunian workforce.
Sacha Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester said: “‘I have called for extensions to night transport services since I became the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester.
“It’s not fair that night workers should face more expensive transport options simply because of the hours they work. We often think of transport as being an issue for customers at night, but I am delighted to have worked with The Mayor, The Transport Commissioner, TfGM and the Bee Network and its operators to be able to bring in such an important pilot that has parity and equality for all workers, no matter what time of day or night, at its heart.”
According to the Greater Manchester Residents Survey carried out in February, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of people said a lack of public transport at night has prevented them accessing opportunities including work, night classes, socialising or accessing late-night healthcare services.
Safety will be of ‘paramount importance; on night bus services. A team of Travelsafe Support and Enforcement Officers (TSEOs) has already been rolled out on the Bee Network to support customers, and this will be extended to support the pilot.
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