Night buses will be running in Salford as part of a new night transport pilot.
The scheme will start later this year when the buses V1 and the 36 will be coming through the city of Salford, delivering night travel.
The buses will run at least once per hour in each direction on both routes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The V1 runs between Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) and Leigh, serving staff and patients at the MRI. It is also expected to provide services for employees and students at the University of Salford, people working in Manchester city centre and Leigh town centre’s night time economy.
Meanwhile, the 36 connects Bolton town centre to Manchester city via Salford, Swinton, Walkden and Little Hulton.
Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Salford but it’s also a fantastic achievement for ensuring that accessible, affordable and safe public transport is now an option for our city.”
The night buses will use the same capped bus fares first introduced in 2022 to provide “a simplified ticket offer” which is consistent with services across Greater Manchester.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will also work with the TravelSafe Partnership to consider the appropriate level of support at key interchanges and onboard buses, including in-person patrols.
Residents will also be able to discreetly report crime and antisocial behaviour to call handlers on the TravelSafe Live Chat, which can be accessed on the Bee Network app.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester is a 24-hour city and should have a public transport system to match, so I’m delighted that we’re introducing a night bus pilot in the next few months that will support workers – whether that’s in health and social care, bars and clubs, distribution centres or anywhere else – as well as those wanting to get home after a night out.
“This pilot gives us the chance to see how people use transport at night and take the first step towards an improved, around-the-clock transport service for the people of Greater Manchester.”
According to the Greater Manchester Residents Survey carried out in February, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of people said a lack of public transport at night has prevented them accessing opportunities including work, night classes, socialising or accessing late-night healthcare services.
Mayor Dennett added: “I am delighted that as part of the continued roll out of the bee network, night buses will be coming to Salford and it’s Salford that has been chosen to actually pilot these first routes.”
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