Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Salford City Council have published plans to improve public transport and active travel in Salford as part of the Bee Network.
The proposals focus on the 50 bus route between Salford Crescent railway station and MediaCityUK, one of the city’s busiest transport corridors. They aim to make bus journeys quicker and more reliable, while also improving walking and cycling routes, and upgrading bus stops to make them more accessible and comfortable.
Subject to public engagement and the securing of required powers and consents, construction work is expected to begin in 2027.
Key measures in the plan include the introduction of a new bus gate on South Langworthy Road to help buses keep to timetable and reduce delays. Minor changes are also proposed at the Regent Road, M602 and Trafford Road roundabout to improve traffic flow.
Along the route, bus stops would be upgraded with passenger information displays at selected locations, raised kerbs to support easier boarding, new shelters with seating, and improved pedestrian crossing facilities nearby.
Alison Chew, TfGM’s Interim Director of Bus, said:Through the Bee Network, we are building a joined-up transport system that connects people with places and opportunities – making it safer, easier and more affordable to travel across Greater Manchester.
These plans intend to deliver quicker, more reliable bus journeys alongside better walking and cycling routes and more accessible and comfortable bus stops.
These revised proposals reflect early feedback we have had on this scheme, and we remain committed to working with our communities to ensure we shape the Bee Network in a way that works for everyone.
The plans also include new pedestrian and cycle crossings at locations such as MediaCityUK, Broadway Roundabout, Langworthy Road and Liverpool Street. Protected cycle lanes are proposed for Liverpool Street and Langworthy Road, linking with existing cycling infrastructure on South Langworthy Road to create a continuous route.
Several junctions, including those at Broadway, Eccles New Road, Langworthy Road and Liverpool Street, would be redesigned to improve safety and efficiency for all road users. This would involve signal-controlled crossings, updated road markings and additional protected space for cyclists.
TfGM said feedback from an earlier round of engagement had been used to shape the proposals, which are intended to improve connections between buses, trams and trains as part of the Bee Network.
Public consultation on the plans is open until 22 February. The feedback will continue to inform the development of the scheme before final decisions are made.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council, said:We want people to be able to travel around Salford as efficiently and safely as possible, offering the best sustainable travel options we can. The route between Salford Crescent railway station and MediaCity is now one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.
Proposals put forward will help improve journeys for everyone, creating safer and more attractive walking and cycling routes for people who live in, work in, or visit the city. We want to increase public transport use and active travel, such as cycling, which will help to combat congestion for all.
I would encourage residents, businesses and commuters to have their say on the plans so local views can be fully taken into account. We are grateful to everyone who has already shared their feedback, which has helped shape these proposals.
