UK bus operator, Metroline has begun operating Bee Network services in Greater Manchester, marking the company’s first expansion outside London.
New buses are now servicing key areas, including Hyde, Salford Quays, Stockport, and Manchester City Centre.
Metroline, part of ComfortDelGro, operates approximately 17% of London’s scheduled bus services and transports over a million passengers daily. The company’s experience in managing urban and suburban routes was a key factor in securing four Bee Network franchises from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in March 2024.
Preparations for the expansion included establishing a training school at the Wythenshawe depot. Here, more than 100 drivers have completed training, focusing on safety, customer service, and vehicle operation.
Meanwhile, Metroline has introduced a fleet of new vehicles to the Bee Network, including Alexander Dennis Enviro200s, Wrightbus Streetdeck Ultroliners, and Volvo/MCV BZLs.
Drivers have undergone extensive training on these vehicle types to ensure smooth operations.
The company is also prioritising sustainability, planning to integrate up to 134 electric buses into its Manchester fleet. Infrastructure upgrades to support electric vehicle operations are currently underway.
Metroline’s expansion increases its UK operations to over 300 routes with a fleet exceeding 1,700 vehicles and nearly 6,000 employees.
Patrick Sibley, Regional CEO for Metroline, said:We are delighted to formally enter operation on the Bee Network, and serve the people of Greater Manchester. It has taken many months of preparation and hard work, but I’m proud of the team that we’ve brought together and the operation that we’ve been able to build in anticipation of this point.
From highly trained professional drivers to brand new buses, we want to give local communities the best journeys possible when travelling on our services. We look forward to continuing our close working relationship with Transport for Greater Manchester as we enter operation, and are determined to deliver an outstanding transport experience for our customers on the Bee Network.
