Bee Network to see changes to payment method

Salford residents will see a complete change to the method of payment on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.

The newly launched initiative will aim to move to a London-style touch-in, touch-out payment system.

The bold new plan will be launched in March 2025, with the hope of using of a more contactless payment system.

The plan is to install the new feature across all bus and tram networks, and promises to provide easier travel whilst guaranteeing the right fare for the journey.

Widening the option for multi-modal travel will allow passengers across Salford to touch in on all Bee Network bus services, knowing they will be charged the lowest fare up to the daily cap of £5 or the new weekly cap of £20.

And with the TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester) taking over control of all buses in Greater Manchester it will hope to provide a fairer payment system.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “In March 2021 I announced that Greater Manchester would bring all of its buses back under local control as part of the Bee Network.”

And with the Bee Network buses being launched in Salford on September 24 2024, they have seen a revolutionary change to transport across the region – and the new plans will aim to continue that on.

The plan will provide a cheaper, easier and more convenient modes of transport across the region with customers and commuters being able to see the benefits first hand.

As Andy Burnham continued: “This is a massive step forward in terms of delivering a London-style transport network for the people of Greater Manchester, putting our region on par with not only the capital but also major cities across the world that offer seamless, integrated travel by public transport.”

Under the new system, it will aims to be an efficient way of transport with riders will be able to just tap on when they step on board.

With the increased amount of flexibility for commuters, Fran Wilkinson, TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, added: “Improving the experience for customers travelling on the Bee Network has been our number one priority since the launch of bus franchising in September.

“The pay as you go system will give greater flexibility for our passengers and will be introduced alongside an extensive customer communication programme to ensure customers understand how they can benefit from this new, easier way to travel across Greater Manchester.”