Greater Manchester’s Bee Network committee has signed off several millions of pounds worth of investment in transport infrastructure across the city region.

The funding - drawn down from the £1.07bn of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement awarded in 2022 and the wider Greater Manchester Transport Capital Programme – will support the delivery and continued improvement of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s integrated public transport system.

This transport infrastructure pipeline will deliver a wide range of schemes to improve the performance and resilience of the Bee Network.

The committee has approved funding for:

• High Speed/Northern Powerhouse Rail: £1.31m - to support the continued development of the Greater Manchester proposal for Northern Powerhouse and High Speed rail, particularly the high speed stations and wider connectivity at Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport and Wigan. It will also support the Liverpool Manchester Railway Board in helping to build a business case for this new railway corridor in order to meet partner ambitions and establish economic growth opportunities.
• Bus pinch points and maintenance: £1m
• Sale West to North Altrincham network improvements: £0.6m
• Integrated measures customer travel information digital improvements: £1.8m
• Salford Central Enhancements scheme: £4.4m - the provision of a modern, accessible station, with improved operational facilities and a quality passenger offering in keeping with its key city centre location. The overall scheme will be delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and Northern Trains Ltd. who have contributed £5m and £0.492m, respectively.
• GM Active Travel Fund Tranche 4 Extension: £3.83m - the ATF4 extension programme is made of nine schemes across Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford which will each provide new or upgraded crossing facilities for those walking, wheeling or cycling.
• Bury Fishpool Phase 2: £3.83m - a network of active travel routes between Bury town centre and the residential areas of Fishpool and Gigg, linking to the bridge delivered as part of the previous Phase 1 scheme.
• Bury Pimhole: £1.91m - improve connectivity for those walking, wheeling and cycling between Pimhole, Bury Interchange and Bury town centre.

Chris Barnes, network director for infrastructure at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “Our pipeline of investment in transport infrastructure is key to the delivery and success of the Bee Network.

“I am delighted that funding for these projects has been approved by the committee, as each one will play an important role in improving journeys for people across Greater Manchester, whatever mode of transport they use.

“We are committed to the continuous improvement of the Bee Network and it is essential that our transport infrastructure is robust, modern and enables a public transport system that meets the needs of everyone in our city region.”

The investment news has been welcomed by the Railway Industry Association (RIA).

RIA North chair David Maddison said the funding reflected a “strong commitment to enhancing public transport accessibility and reliability”.

“The diverse range of funded projects - including Greater Manchester Northern Powerhouse and high-speed rail related developments, and the Salford Central Enhancements scheme - addresses current challenges while supporting economic development and social inclusivity,” he added.

“Moreover, the emphasis on customer experience through real-time travel information and active travel initiatives aligns well with the need to develop high-quality mobility and sustainable transport.

“This funding approval represents a really proactive step towards building a transport network that meets today's needs and fosters connectivity for a sustainable and economically vibrant future in Greater Manchester and the North.”