Plans revealed for three phase plan to bring rail to the Bee Network by 2028

Plans have been unveiled a three-phase plan that will aim to improve and grow the Bee Network in Salford by 2028. 

The newly revealed plans by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham on January 21 2025 has shown a step-by-step plan to bring rail into the network.

The plans will aim to bring the rail services into public control in a similar manner to the buses – which was completed on January 5.

The incorporation of rail will be next stage of Andy Burnham’s joined-up ‘London-style’ public transport system, intended to boost passenger numbers and drive growth. 

Developed in partnership with the rail industry, Department for Transport (DfT) and Shadow Great British Rail, it will aim to unlock regeneration and housing opportunities around the stations. 

Greater Manchester’s proposition is for eight commuter rail lines, covering 64 stations, to be brought into the Bee Network in three phases. 

The first 64 stations that will join the Bee Network by 2028, will include various Salford locations, Clifton, Eccles, Patricroft, Salford Central, Salford Crescent, Swinton, and Walkden.

The joining stations across Greater Manchester will aim to major improvements to the city-region’s train stations, services and passenger experience – including integrated capped fares across bus, tram and train.

The plan will also see a further 32 stations and all lines within Greater Manchester join together by 2030 – which will also include Irlam. 

The approach is expected to boost the number of trips by train by 1.3 million each year, with more people choosing public transport and more services running later and at the weekend. 

The expected boost will also be incorporated with the newly launched tap in tap out system that will provide a one-stop-shops for all tickets and information across bus, tram and train.

The growth of the network will also to promote more sustainable economic growth, ensuring residents in new homes have rail connections right on the doorstep, connecting them to even more opportunities.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Our rail system today is acting as a brake on growth and, as the UK’s fastest growing city-region, Greater Manchester deserves better.

“We need a railway that is reliable and fully integrated with the rest of the Bee Network to drive growth and deliver new homes with public transport connections on the doorstep.”

He continued: “Building on the success of bringing our buses back under local control, we’re planning a phased approach to bringing eight commuter lines and their stations into the Bee Network.

“Our plan puts passengers first by delivering a simplified, joined-up public transport network, with better services, stations and overall experience.”

The decision to grow the Bee Network will also aim to deliver an initial 750 new homes close to rail stations by 2028. 

The move will see the the city-region’s rail stations at the heart of connected communities, with underused land around stations identified for employment and regeneration opportunities.

As Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, said: “This ambitious plan maintains the momentum behind the integrated Bee Network to power Greater Manchester’s sustainable economic growth. 

“The focus now shifts to working closely with the rail industry and Government to build on that and present a fully integrated transport system to the people and businesses of Greater Manchester.” 

The move will also aim to provide environmental benefits, as getting more people onto public transport will play a major role in reaching net zero targets.

Integrating the eight rail lines alone is expected to take over 7 million cars off the road, saving around 700 tonnes of carbon.

The plan will also the Greater Manchester leaders work closely with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Shadow Great British Railways and Train Operating Companies to further develop and implement the three-phase plan. 

As Rob McIntosh, North West & Central Managing Director at Network Rail, said: “Network Rail is committed to a process of devolution that benefits our passengers, partners and the taxpayer.

“We know that rail is key to a locally integrated transport system and therefore fundamental to unlocking growth and opportunity. 

“We are delighted to support and help Greater Manchester deliver these Bee Network ambitions.”

More information on the Bee Network development and plans can be found here.