A new report has highlighted the impact of Greater Manchester’s 122 million GBP Bus Priority Programme, now integrated into the Bee Network. The report demonstrates improvements in journey times, public transport use, road safety, and active travel.
Developed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in collaboration with local councils, the programme focused on key corridors including the Leigh Guided Busway, Oxford Road and Rochdale Road. It was implemented between 2007 and 2017 and has since been monitored to assess long-term outcomes.
The improvements include dedicated bus lanes, upgraded stops, and the launch of high-frequency Vantage services.
Since these measures have been implemented, peak journey times on the Leigh to Manchester route have fallen by over 25%, reducing from 65 minutes in 2013 to under 50 minutes.
What’s more, bus patronage along the Leigh Guided Busway has more than doubled. Around 25% of passengers have switched from car to bus, resulting in over 600,000 fewer car trips annually since 2017. The route is also one of two piloting 24-hour night bus services under the Bee Network, supporting shift workers and the night-time economy.
The programme has also contributed to road safety improvements. Serious or fatal casualties along the A580 East Lancs corridor, used by the busway, dropped by 63%, compared to a 15% reduction across Greater Manchester. Casualties near Oxford Road decreased by 21%.
In addition, walking and cycling levels along the dedicated path next to the busway have risen significantly, with a 2023 estimate of over 350,000 trips. Survey responses suggest 58% of users are now more active as a result.
Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner, said:This evaluation report demonstrates the positive impact for residents of investment in high quality public transport to deliver safe, frequent and reliable services.
These schemes have enabled better access to homes, jobs, healthcare, education and to leisure destinations and further improvements have recently been delivered with the creation of the Bee Network, including the introduction of night buses to support workers and the night time economy.
Affordability of public transport has also been transformed. As a result of bringing buses under local control, fares have been reduced and held at £2 for an adult Hopper - enabling customers to change buses within an hour of their first tap without having to pay more - and delivering more convenient ‘Tap and Go’ contactless payment which guarantees the lowest fare.
