Go-Ahead mark first-year as partners in Greater Manchester’s Bee Network

Go-Ahead’s subsidiary Go North West is today celebrating its first anniversary of Bee Network operations and partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

The Bee Network, the UK’s first franchised bus operation outside London, began on 24 September 2023. Go-Ahead launched the initial two major franchised contracts in Bolton and Wigan, covering nearly 1,000 drivers and 55 routes with a fleet of over 300 buses. This mobilisation was one of the largest of its kind in UK history.

Over the past year, Go North West have significantly improved punctuality and overall performance across the Bee Network, driving up service standards and customer experience.  In April 2024 further network enhancements were made in collaboration with TfGM, including the introduction of additional buses and night services to support the city-region’s nighttime economy and those who work within it.

Since the start of Bee Network operations, Go North West has trained over 150 apprentices at its Elite Driver Academy, investing in top-tier training for drivers across the Bee Network, helping people build their careers in the industry. Earlier this year, Go-Ahead Women was also launched in Manchester, aiming to foster a more diverse workforce and inclusive environment.

In the last 12 months, Go-Ahead used its global expertise to deploy 50 new zero-emission buses, contributing to TfGM’ decarbonisation objectives and their target to achieve net zero by 2038. This investment has improved the environment for communities across Greater Manchester.

Go North West has also been successful in securing contracts across all three rounds of franchising in the city region, with the next batch of operations set to commence in early 2025.

Nigel Featham, Managing Director of Go North West, commented: “Our first year in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester has been an incredible journey. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in improving service and investing in our people. It’s exciting to see how our efforts are benefiting both our customers and the wider community. We look forward to continuing our work together to create an even more efficient and sustainable transport network for Greater Manchester.”

Matt Carney, CEO – Bus at Go-Ahead Group, commented: “I’m proud of our partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester and the meaningful change we have delivered for communities across the city-region. We fully support the Mayor’s vision of a sustainable, integrated public transport network and look forward to continuing to use our global expertise from other franchised operations to benefit this partnership.”

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester said: “We are really proud of the progress that has been made in delivering better bus services in Wigan and Bolton. This is part of building the Bee Network, which is bringing together buses, trams, trains and active travel into a single, simpler and more affordable system for the people and businesses of Greater Manchester.

"We have worked in partnership with Go North West to make bus franchising a success. In just a year we have seen patronage and punctuality significantly increase, revenue exceed forecast and the cost of operation fall.

“The job now is to continuously improve services in collaboration with our local districts and communities and we look forward bringing the rest of Greater Manchester's bus network under public control from January next year. I’d like to thank the people of Transport for Greater Manchester and Go North West for all their hard work and commitment in achieving these results.”