Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched a public consultation inviting people who live, work, travel, visit or study in Greater Manchester to help shape the future of the city region’s travel network by giving their views on the new GM Transport Strategy 2050, as well as the GM Transport Delivery Plan (2027-37).
Plans set out a framework for how the Bee Network might be utilised to help Greater Manchester continue to become the growth capital of the UK through to 2050, whilst also addressing inequality and creating a greener city region.
The consultation was launched on Tuesday 09 December, and will run through to Monday 09 March 2026.
Backed by 2.5 billion GBP in government funding; the plans aim to deliver a number of transport projects through to the 2030s, resulting in what TfGM intends to be a world-class transport system. They will support both overall economic growth and the delivery of the new 1 billion GBP GM Good Growth Fund, which will in turn pump-prime a set of projects, drive growth and generation and ensure equal spending across the city region as a whole.
Additional development of the Bee Network, as well as a more reliable highways network, are set to underpin the new approach, which aims to better connect communities with locations, jobs and services.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:World-class transport is the key to unlocking further sustainable economic growth, higher productivity and reducing inequality. We’re already leading the way through the creation of the Bee Network and seeing the clear benefits it’s delivering. We know there is still a huge amount of work to be done and it is critical that we take a long-term view through this 2050 strategy and delivery plan.
We’ve got exciting multi-million-pound plans which will improve transport across Greater Manchester, including continuing our work to make sure everyone is safe, and feels safe, using the Bee Network.
Every voice matters, and we’ve already engaged with communities, businesses and stakeholders to make sure people and places are at the heart of these plans. Now we want to hear what you think, so we can make sure they deliver what every area and community needs now and in the future.
The Bee Network is set to begin incorporating rail services by 2028, with TfGM aiming to provide 90% of the city region with five-minute access to a bus or tram that arrives at least every 30 minutes.
GM transport strategy and delivery plans include keeping the local transport network safe and reliable via the renewal and maintenance of roads, Metrolink network and rail facilities; simplifying of fares, ticketing, bus services and introduction of new stops and services, as well as interchanges, Metrolink lines and expanded walking, wheeling and cycling networks; and the transformation of all local rail lines by incorporating them into the Bee Network.
A detailed delivery programme listing schemes is set out in the GM Transport Delivery Plan 2027 – 2037, which is split into three phases, along with works in the regional centre and a wider ongoing set of works across the city region.
In addition to online feedback; a series of face-to-face drop-in sessions are planned to take place across Greater Manchester.
