Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that more than 30 million GBP will be invested in Greater Manchester’s Bee Network to support public transport and active travel improvements.
The new funding package includes enhancements to rail stations, bus stops, cycling infrastructure and real-time information systems. The upgrades form part of the city-region’s broader ambition to develop a safer, cleaner, and more accessible transport system.
The projects have been approved by the Bee Network Committee and are funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), a 1.07 billion GBP programme designed to support Greater Manchester’s long-term transport infrastructure pipeline.
Chris Barnes, Network Director for Infrastructure at TfGM, said:The Bee Network is transforming how people get around Greater Manchester by providing reliable, accessible, safe, affordable and sustainable travel options.
Key to its continued success is our investment in transport infrastructure, and these projects are the latest in a series of schemes that will play an important role in improving journeys for people across Greater Manchester.
We're really excited about all the improvements we are bringing forward, including the changes we have got planned for bus stops, which will improve the experience for passengers by giving them real-time information at their stop in a similar way to London.
Over half of the new funding—16.8 million GBP—will be allocated to make four additional rail stations (Swinton, Reddish North, Hindley, and Bryn) fully step-free. These improvements follow recent accessibility work at Daisy Hill and Irlam stations.
A further 4.5 million GBP will be used to improve more than 220 bus stops. Planned upgrades include new shelters, raised kerbs, clearer road markings, and better pedestrian access to encourage greater use of public transport.
Another 2.7 million GBP will fund the installation of real-time Passenger Information Displays at 319 bus stops and five transport interchanges.
Several junctions and corridors will also be redesigned to improve safety and accessibility for people walking and cycling. These include:
- Sale West to Altrincham (2.2 million GBP): Pedestrian crossing and traffic signal upgrades at A56/Barrington Road and A56/Sinderland Road
- Stockport, A6 / Heaton Chapel (2.24 million GBP): New Toucan crossings, 20mph zones, and improved cycling and walking links
- Bolton, Topp Way / Higher Bridge (2.5 million GBP): Installation of a CYCLOPS junction and new segregated cycle lanes
In addition, 700,000 GBP has been approved for a residential electric vehicle (EV) charging pilot. The trial will test flush-fitting and pedestal chargers to assess how EV infrastructure can be discreetly integrated into residential areas.
A further 400,000 GBP will support the Travel Hubs Access Programme, which aims to improve first- and last-mile walking and cycling access to public transport stops.
