GM Mayor Andy Burnham stood alongside Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, as she promised the Labour government will be a “willing partner” in transport reform and this is “just the beginning”.
The event comes as Greater Manchester has made history as the first area to bring buses back under local control in 40 years.
Burnham said: “It is a momentous day for Greater Manchester. We have taken control today.
“Make public transport your first option, leave the car at home and back the Bee Network.”
Bringing back local control means that TfGM can decide bus timetables, price of fares and control the quality of the bus stock.
The new hopper fare also allows riders to “hop on” any bus within an hour with the same ticket, without having to pay a new fare on a connecting bus service.
Burnham also pledged that by spring, 55% of buses in Manchester will be brand new.
Alexander expressed her support for the network as she criticised the previous Conservative government for giving up on transport reforms.
The transport minister said: “Manchester is really an example of this sort of service that we want to see offered across the rest of the country with reliable, frequent, punctual, affordable bus travel.”
TfGM have seen a reported increase of passenger numbers by 5%, with an additional 7 million journeys happening in Greater Manchester on routes under local control.
IPPR senior research fellow and transport expert, Dr Maya Singer Hobbs, said: “Buses are really important economically, socially and environmentally.
“We know that they’ve been in decline post deregulation. And we’re really excited to see what Manchester have done. This is an opportunity for local leaders to bring them back into local control, because they know what’s best for and for their areas.”
Burnham is now looking to the future, saying we will hear less about buses and more about local trains.
Featured image: Jordan Edwards
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