Salford residents share thoughts on Bee Network plans to introduce rail by 2028

Salford residents have shared their thoughts on the new Bee Network expansion plans that will be introduce rails services by 2028. 

The development plans will aim to introduce rail services into the Bee Network across a three phase plan.

A plan that will see stations across Greater Manchester join the network, improving the the city-region’s train stations, services and passenger experience.

The decision will also be integrated with capped fares across bus, tram and train.

Greater Manchester’s proposition is for eight commuter rail lines, covering 64 stations, to be brought into the Bee Network in three phases. 

The approach is expected to boost the number of trips by train by 1.3 million each year, with more people choosing public transport and more services running later and at the weekend. 

However people from Eccles had some mixed feelings on this new plan, and what it will mean for the area.

Tommy Rogers, a local sports coach said: “Well, I used to use Bee Network bus before I started driving, but I think, yeah, good idea. I can’t see any bad from it.”

And this was echoed by Derek, an elderly citizen in Eccles, who said: “I haven’t used the train in 40 years, but I’m sure it will be good.”

The new developments by 2028 will include various Salford locations, Clifton, Eccles, Patricroft, Salford Central, Salford Crescent, Swinton, and Walkden.

Audrey, an elderly mum agreed saying: “If they get it so it’s a continuous service instead of always being cancelled, hopefully, they can do it with the trains and keep it running then.”

However some believed it wouldn’t be as useful as Bee Network are hoping – and could have negative impacts on travel.

As Joanne, a local in Eccles shared her lack of enthusiasm for the developments, as she said: “ I think trams and busses are enough. That’s my personal opinion.”

And this view was also shared by Vicky, an avid user of public transport believed Bee Network should have other priorities first.

She said: “Fix your Bus service first, the app is useless. There must be a Bermuda triangle somewhere because they’re due in two minutes then they just disappear.”