Purpose

The changes form part of the first package of Network Development interventions for 2026/27, intended to improve connectivity, night bus provision, performance, scheduling and capacity across Greater Manchester.

Decision

To approve and give effect to the August-October 2026 Bus Franchising Network Development changes as part of the first package of 2026/2027 Network Development interventions.

The August-October 2026 Bus Franchising Network Development interventions comprise a package of service enhancements, new services and network capacity improvements across the Bee Network. The specific changes constituting Key Decisions are summarised below:
- Service 612- Introduction of daily bus service linking Wigan, Golborne, Newton-le-Willows, Earlestown and St Helens.
- Service 377- Introduction of a bus service between Woodford Garden Village and Stockport.
- Services 388/389– Introduction of a service linking Ashton, Stalybridge and Hyde to improve local connectivity.
- Night Bus Services – Introduction of additional Thursday to Saturday night bus services on routes serving Manchester, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Altrincham, Hazel Grove and East Didsbury.
- Service 615/575/576- Service enhancements through route and frequency changes to improve connectivity to Middlebrook Retail Park.
- Service 471- Frequency, performance and connectivity improvements.
- Service 263- Frequency enhancement
- Service 219- Frequency enhancement
- Service 83- Frequency enhancement and route revision
- Continuation of exiting service intervention arrangements for Services 36/37/471/V1/V4/163a/309/310/312/313.
- Service V1/35- Continuation of night service between Leigh, Bolton and Manchester
- Service- 17/135- Continuation of night service between Rochdale, Bury and Manchester.
All associated commercial and contractual arrangements required to implement the changes be finalised, including the relevant change documentation to the affected Franchise Agreements.

Alternative options considered

The option of not progressing the changes was considered but rejected as it would not deliver the network improvements.