Greater Manchester’s Bee Network Committee has signed off several millions of pounds worth of investment in transport infrastructure across the city region.
The funding – drawn down from the £1.07bn of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement awarded in 2022 and the wider Greater Manchester Transport Capital Programme – will support the delivery and continuous improvement of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s ambition for an integrated and affordable public transport system that is accessible to all.
This transport infrastructure ‘pipeline’ will deliver a wide range of schemes to improve the performance and resilience of the Bee Network, resulting in a better customer experience for those who use it.
The Bee Network is pivotal to delivering sustainable economic growth, increased productivity and the city region’s wider objectives, by connecting people with education, jobs and wider opportunities.
It also has a vital role to play in unlocking development, enabling housing growth, acting as a catalyst for regeneration, reducing carbon emissions and supporting social inclusion and active and healthy lifestyles.
The committee has approved funding draw-downs as follows:
Bus Pinch Points and Maintenance: £1m
These are relatively low-cost measures that seek to address issues on the bus network and thereby improve bus journey time, reliability and accessibility.
Sale West to North Altrincham Network Improvements : £0.6m
Ahead of the main scheme being brought forward, a package of measures to improve the reliability of bus services and improve access to bus stops has been developed.
This includes the upgrading of existing traffic signal infrastructure at up to 5 junctions on the corridor; the provision of a new Zebra crossing for pedestrians and cyclists in Sale West; and the upgrading of 10 bus stops on the corridor.
High Speed / Northern Powerhouse Rail: £1.31m
This funding will support the continued development of the Greater Manchester proposal for Northern Powerhouse and High Speed rail, particularly the high speed stations and wider connectivity at Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport and Wigan.
It will also support the Liverpool Manchester Railway Board in helping to build a business case for this new railway corridor in order to meet partner ambitions and establish economic growth opportunities.
Integrated Measures Customer Travel Information Digital Improvements: £1.8m
This funding is focused on bringing forward technology measures which will enable improvements to real time information via the Bee Network and third-party apps, as well as at bus stops and interchanges, to help people make their journeys with greater ease and confidence. Together with an upgrade to the Bee Network website, these measures will support the growth of public transport and active travel networks in Greater Manchester, helping to connect people with opportunities across the city region.
Salford Central Enhancements scheme: £4.4m
The Salford Central Enhancements Scheme will contribute to the provision of a modern, accessible station, with improved operational facilities and a quality passenger offering in keeping with its key city centre location.
The overall scheme will be delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and Northern Trains Ltd. who have contributed £5m and £0.492m, respectively.
GM Active Travel Fund Tranche 4 Extension: £3.83m
The ATF4 extension programme is made of nine schemes across Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford which will each provide new or upgraded crossing facilities for those walking, wheeling or cycling.
Bury Fishpool Phase 2: £3.83m
This scheme will deliver a series of measures to support a network of active travel routes between Bury town centre and the residential areas of Fishpool and Gigg, linking to the bridge delivered as part of the previous Phase 1 scheme.
Part of a wider scheme currently being developed and delivered by Bury Council as part of their active travel pipeline, this includes 0.5km of segregated cycle tracks, a new protected signalised junction, two new toucan crossings, and a quiet cycle route along Gigg Lane.
Bury Pimhole: £1.91m
The scheme will improve connectivity for those walking, wheeling and cycling between Pimhole, Bury Interchange and Bury town centre. The scheme includes a number of junction and crossing upgrades, in addition to the installation of solar stud lighting in Openshaw Park and on the Roch Valley Greenway.
Chris Barnes, Network Director for Infrastructure at TfGM, said: “Our pipeline of investment in transport infrastructure is key to the delivery and success of the Bee Network.
“I am delighted that funding for these projects has been approved by the Committee, as each one will play an important role in improving journeys for people across Greater Manchester, whatever mode of transport they use.
“We are committed to the continuous improvement of the Bee Network and it is essential that our transport infrastructure is robust, modern and enables a public transport system that meets the needs of everyone in our city region.”
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