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Bee Network Committee - Thursday, 24th September, 2026 2.00 pm
September 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm Bee Network Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Bee Network Committee approved significant funding for transport infrastructure projects, including highways maintenance and active travel initiatives. The committee also noted progress on decarbonising the Bee Network and discussed future plans for integrated public transport.
Transport Infrastructure Pipeline Funding
The committee approved the drawdown of substantial funding for various transport infrastructure projects. This included £4.662m for the Pelican to Puffin
scheme to upgrade pedestrian crossings near schools, £9.006m for Phase 1 of the City Centre Bus Strategy, and £0.24m for Improving Journeys: Bury – Rochdale ITS Enhancements.
Further funding was approved for Hattersley Station (£3.6m), Travel Hubs Smaller Access Works (£1.85m), and the Elton Reservoir Metrolink Stop (£0.161m). Additionally, £0.26m was approved for the Warwick Road and Stretford Cycleways in Trafford, and £1.63m for the Wythenshawe Manchester Active Travel Strategy and Infrastructure Plan (MATSIP) Phase 2.
A significant allocation of £60m was approved for Highways Maintenance across the 10 local authorities, subject to Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) approval. This funding aims to improve the safety, condition, and resilience of the highway network.
The committee also approved the drawdown of revenue resources to support capacity building and future scheme development, with £18.685m allocated for 2026/27 and £55.763m over three years. Active Travel funding of £1m was also approved for the School Streets Programme (£0.5m), Active Travel Remedial Works (£0.2m), and Secure Cycle Parking (£0.3m).
Transport and Net Zero
The committee noted the progress in delivering the Greater Manchester Strategy 2025–2035 commitment to a greener, fairer city-region, focusing on the transition to a zero-emission public transport system by 2030. This included the selection of a preferred supplier for a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement to provide renewable energy for the Metrolink network, acting as a pilot for future clean energy arrangements. Continued progress in decarbonising the Bee Network bus fleet through the franchised network was also noted, supporting Greater Manchester's carbon neutrality commitment by 2038.
Bee Network Performance Monitoring
The committee received an update on the Bee Network's performance, noting that bus punctuality had remained above target for seven consecutive months, and Metrolink punctuality was also above target. Despite challenges during summer engineering works and high temperatures, the network demonstrated resilience. The report highlighted the ongoing decarbonisation of the bus fleet, with over one-third of buses now zero-emission. Rail performance across various operators serving Greater Manchester had declined, affected by external incidents and operator-related issues.
Mayor's Priorities for the Bee Network
Mayor Bev Craig addressed the committee, outlining her priorities for the Bee Network. She emphasised the importance of a well-run, reliable, safe, ambitious, and integrated transport system that supports better lives and environmental objectives. Key proposals included expanding the Bee Network, increasing patronage, and introducing free bus travel for 11–16-year-olds. The Mayor also highlighted commitments to expanding the network, integrating Metrolink, bringing commuter rail stations into the network, and reaffirming the commitment to active travel and highway maintenance.
Appointments and Governance
The committee noted updates on appointments to the committee and to outside bodies, including the Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Board. The terms of reference and rules of procedure for the committee were also noted. There were no declarations of interest made by members.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Apologies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council noted apologies from several councillors and a commissioner on 24 September 2026. Recommendations were approved.
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Chair's Announcements and Urgent Business
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council
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Terms of Reference & Rules of Procedure
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee noted the terms of reference and rules of procedure on 24 September 2026. The committee's responsibilities include decision-making on transport network operations, performance monitoring, policy development, and local coordination.
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Bee Network Performance Monitoring
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council noted the performance of the Bee Network on 24/09/2026. Recommendations were approved.
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council approved recommendations on 24/09/2026. The committee's decision related to declarations of interest.
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Minutes of the meeting held on 25th June 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council decided to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 25 June 2026. The committee also approved various funding drawdowns for transport infrastructure projects, including bus strategies, interchange improvements, Metrolink expansion, and active travel schemes. Authority was delegated to the Group Chief Executive and Vice-Chair to approve further funding drawdowns before the next meeting.
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Appointment Updates
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee noted updates on appointments made at the June meeting and the appointments of Mayoral Appointees for political balance. This decision was made on 24/09/2026.
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Transport and Net Zero
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council decided to approve recommendations on 24/09/2026. The committee noted progress in delivering the Greater Manchester Strategy, the selection of a preferred supplier for a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement, and continued progress in decarbonising the bus fleet. These measures support Greater Manchester's carbon neutrality commitment and net zero ambitions.
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Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee noted the current transport infrastructure pipeline position. The committee also noted proposals for the consolidation of revenue funding, the allocation of £60m capital headroom to 10 Local Authorities for highways maintenance, and the allocation of Active Travel funding.
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Transport Infrastructure Pipeline
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee approved the drawdown of Integrated Settlement (CRSTS) funding for various transport infrastructure projects, including Pelican to Puffin crossing upgrades, City Centre Bus Strategy Phase 1, and Hattersley Station. The committee also approved the drawdown of £60m for Highways Maintenance, subject to GMCA approval. Additionally, they approved the drawdown of Active Travel Funding for the School Streets Programme, Active Travel Remedial Works, and Secure Cycle Parking.
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Appointments to Outside Bodies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council decided to approve recommendations on 24/09/2026. It was noted that Cllr Barry Winstanley, Cllr Grace Baynham, and Cllr Michael Welton were appointed to the Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Board. It was also noted that Cllr Tracey Rawlins and Cllr Jacqueline Owen would remain members of the Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Board for 2026/27.
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