daodao
Established Member
The new service 30 will be slow and thus of limited use for journeys from the city centre to Trafford Park, as it spends at least 15 minutes on a loop of Salford Quays, so won't really replace current service X50.
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Bee Network Service/Route Discussion
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From yesterday Middleton routes 129 Hollin Circular and 415 Middleton-Oldham (which both interwork with each other in Middleton) are now operated by Oldham Depot with Solo SRs from Middleton Depot transferring to Oldham Depot.
While most journeys on 415 ran today albeit late it does seem that due to late running on 415 and a diversion on route as well a number of journeys on 129 were missed, in the past when Middleton operated the routes if they knew the 415 was running late they would slot a bus in just to operate 129 so the bus on 415 would always leave Middleton on time, but now since Oldham are operating the service it does seem that unless today was a one off that a spare bus slot into 129 won't be the case anymore.
While most journeys on 415 ran today albeit late it does seem that due to late running on 415 and a diversion on route as well a number of journeys on 129 were missed, in the past when Middleton operated the routes if they knew the 415 was running late they would slot a bus in just to operate 129 so the bus on 415 would always leave Middleton on time, but now since Oldham are operating the service it does seem that unless today was a one off that a spare bus slot into 129 won't be the case anymore.
py_megapixel
Established Member
Noticed the other day that the free city centre buses have a Ticketer machine the same as all the other buses. Was this the case on previous batches of buses dedicated to these routes, i.e. the Optares?
Also just as a matter of curiosity, does anyone happen to know what would happen if a passenger managed to tap in with their card on the free bus? I could imagine someone doing it out of habit if they're used to travelling on another route.
Also just as a matter of curiosity, does anyone happen to know what would happen if a passenger managed to tap in with their card on the free bus? I could imagine someone doing it out of habit if they're used to travelling on another route.
Yes even when First ran it with Solo's they had Almex ticket machines installed.
It's used more for passenger counts on the Free Bus, but the Volvo's can and are used elsewhere on the Bee Network (I believe one ended up on the 59 the other day)
If a passenger tapped their card on the reader, it’d just come up with a red error message on the ticket machine screen (probably ‘no tickets available’), as no fares would be input on that route.
TfGM press release
From 4 January a new bus route, the number 30, will connect the Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Salford Quays, Ordsall Lane and Manchester City Centre.
Ordsall has seen significant regeneration in recent years, with around 1,000 new apartments built along the Ordsall Lane corridor. To support this growth – which mirrors a wider trend across Salford as the area with the biggest population increase in the North West – Salford Council has secured around £2m from local developers to help fund bus improvements for residents.
The new 30 service will be all electric and run seven days a week, with a half-hourly service Monday to Saturday. It’s the latest in a series of Bee Network enhancements that have seen three all new routes introduced already, alongside improvements to more than 80 other services, including new night buses.
More and more people are choosing to travel on Bee Network buses. Over 250 million Bee Network bus journeys have now been made, with passenger numbers increasing by 29% and 18% across the first two areas brought under local control.
Rounding off 2025 on a high, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has today announced that:
“It’s been a great first full year of locally controlled buses under the Bee Network.
“Many more people are now getting on board with services that are much more reliable, affordable and accessible, with new routes and more frequent buses better connecting people to jobs and opportunity.
“It’s all part of our plan to deliver a world-class transport network that will support a decade of good growth that benefits every part of Greater Manchester.”
Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, said:
“This new number 30 bus is fantastic news for local people and something we have actively campaigned for here in Salford. Ordsall has seen significant growth and development in recent years with new apartments being constructed and this new service will provide vital connectivity for the community.
“Our council officers secured over £2 million from developers to fund the provision of a new section of bus route covering the Quays and Ordsall. And the service will also be provided by a fleet of new electric buses, supporting our commitments for carbon reduction and improved air quality. I look forward to seeing the route in operation and meeting the passengers using it.”
Across buses and trams, the Bee Network is now carrying more than 18 million passengers a month – with the 132 service, between Wigan Bus Station and The Trafford Centre, recording the highest growth on the network, with passenger numbers up by 66.7% in 2025.
Customer satisfaction has also hit new highs, with an average of 85% across the city region.
Greater Manchester is targeting to boost bus passenger numbers by 30% by 2030, with an ambition for 50% of all journeys in the region to be made by public transport, walking or cycling by 2040.
It’s all part of Greater Manchester’s mission to make public transport better – including a 2030 pledge to ensure 90% of residents are within a five-minute walk or wheeling distance of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:
“It’s great to round off the year with another new service, more electric buses and better customer information to serve the people and businesses of Salford.
“These latest improvements reflect our determination to deliver continuous improvements across Greater Manchester and make the Bee Network - which brings together bus, tram, train and active travel - into a world-class transport network.”
Transport investment will be fundamental to sustaining Greater Manchester’s rate of economic growth, which has outstripped the UK’s average in the past decade. In June, the Government pledged £2.5 billion towards helping the region unlock the UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network.
Editor's Notes
Salford is the fastest growing area of the North West. Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Salford increased by 15.4%, from around 233,900 in 2011 to around 269,900 in 2021. This means Salford's population saw the largest percentage increase in the North West. The population of the North West increased by 5.2%, while the population of England rose by 6.6%.
The continued investments announced today include:
Electrification of Middleton bus depot
The completion of electrification at Middleton depot earlier this month means 53 new electric buses are operating from the depot, making 18 more services fully electric. It brings the total number of electric buses operating on the Bee Network to 390.
284 new Passenger Information Display screens
Passengers on the Bee Network will be able to access real-time information about their journeys at bus stops and interchanges, following investment in 284 new Passenger Information Displays (PIDS). The screens, or PIDS, will display departure information and disruption updates across bus, tram and trains at key sites across the city region.
https://news.tfgm.com/press-releases/eb2e05d7-91e8-4c1b-8bdd-95d47be3dbd7/new-bus-route-for-salford-amongst-latest-improvements-as-the-bee-network-celebrates-a-successful-first-full-year-under-local-control
New bus route for Salford amongst latest improvements as the Bee Network celebrates a successful first full year under local control
18 December 2025 at 13:55- A new all electric number 30 service will connect previously underserved parts of Salford – the area with biggest resident growth in the North West
- Bee Network hits ¼ billion bus journeys to round off successful first full year under local control – with massive increase in the numbers of people using them
- December also sees completion of second fully electric bus depot and first of almost 300 new customer information screens installed
- Continued investment highlights the Bee Network’s commitment to inclusive, accessible, greener travel
From 4 January a new bus route, the number 30, will connect the Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Salford Quays, Ordsall Lane and Manchester City Centre.
Ordsall has seen significant regeneration in recent years, with around 1,000 new apartments built along the Ordsall Lane corridor. To support this growth – which mirrors a wider trend across Salford as the area with the biggest population increase in the North West – Salford Council has secured around £2m from local developers to help fund bus improvements for residents.
The new 30 service will be all electric and run seven days a week, with a half-hourly service Monday to Saturday. It’s the latest in a series of Bee Network enhancements that have seen three all new routes introduced already, alongside improvements to more than 80 other services, including new night buses.
More and more people are choosing to travel on Bee Network buses. Over 250 million Bee Network bus journeys have now been made, with passenger numbers increasing by 29% and 18% across the first two areas brought under local control.
Rounding off 2025 on a high, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has today announced that:
- Middleton bus depot has reopened following the completion of electrification, meaning 53 new electric buses are now carrying Bee Network passengers, marking another major step toward a fully electric bus fleet.
- The first of 284 new digital information screens has also been installed at the bus stop at North Manchester General Hospital, with others being rolled out across the city region over coming months. Each display will provide real-time departure information and disruption updates, with on demand text-to-speech buttons, enabling customers to make informed choices on their travel options.
“It’s been a great first full year of locally controlled buses under the Bee Network.
“Many more people are now getting on board with services that are much more reliable, affordable and accessible, with new routes and more frequent buses better connecting people to jobs and opportunity.
“It’s all part of our plan to deliver a world-class transport network that will support a decade of good growth that benefits every part of Greater Manchester.”
Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, said:
“This new number 30 bus is fantastic news for local people and something we have actively campaigned for here in Salford. Ordsall has seen significant growth and development in recent years with new apartments being constructed and this new service will provide vital connectivity for the community.
“Our council officers secured over £2 million from developers to fund the provision of a new section of bus route covering the Quays and Ordsall. And the service will also be provided by a fleet of new electric buses, supporting our commitments for carbon reduction and improved air quality. I look forward to seeing the route in operation and meeting the passengers using it.”
Across buses and trams, the Bee Network is now carrying more than 18 million passengers a month – with the 132 service, between Wigan Bus Station and The Trafford Centre, recording the highest growth on the network, with passenger numbers up by 66.7% in 2025.
Customer satisfaction has also hit new highs, with an average of 85% across the city region.
Greater Manchester is targeting to boost bus passenger numbers by 30% by 2030, with an ambition for 50% of all journeys in the region to be made by public transport, walking or cycling by 2040.
It’s all part of Greater Manchester’s mission to make public transport better – including a 2030 pledge to ensure 90% of residents are within a five-minute walk or wheeling distance of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:
“It’s great to round off the year with another new service, more electric buses and better customer information to serve the people and businesses of Salford.
“These latest improvements reflect our determination to deliver continuous improvements across Greater Manchester and make the Bee Network - which brings together bus, tram, train and active travel - into a world-class transport network.”
Transport investment will be fundamental to sustaining Greater Manchester’s rate of economic growth, which has outstripped the UK’s average in the past decade. In June, the Government pledged £2.5 billion towards helping the region unlock the UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network.
Editor's Notes
Salford is the fastest growing area of the North West. Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Salford increased by 15.4%, from around 233,900 in 2011 to around 269,900 in 2021. This means Salford's population saw the largest percentage increase in the North West. The population of the North West increased by 5.2%, while the population of England rose by 6.6%.
The continued investments announced today include:
- New 30 bus service for Salford:
Electrification of Middleton bus depot
The completion of electrification at Middleton depot earlier this month means 53 new electric buses are operating from the depot, making 18 more services fully electric. It brings the total number of electric buses operating on the Bee Network to 390.
284 new Passenger Information Display screens
Passengers on the Bee Network will be able to access real-time information about their journeys at bus stops and interchanges, following investment in 284 new Passenger Information Displays (PIDS). The screens, or PIDS, will display departure information and disruption updates across bus, tram and trains at key sites across the city region.
https://news.tfgm.com/press-releases/eb2e05d7-91e8-4c1b-8bdd-95d47be3dbd7/new-bus-route-for-salford-amongst-latest-improvements-as-the-bee-network-celebrates-a-successful-first-full-year-under-local-control
Even by the normal standards of TfGMs normal self- congratulatory media releases, this one is a masterpiece. Presumably there has been no improvement in punctuality or reliability stats, otherwise it would have been mentioned.TfGM press release
New bus route for Salford amongst latest improvements as the Bee Network celebrates a successful first full year under local control
18 December 2025 at 13:55
Greater Manchester continues to invest in the Bee Network, with a new bus route, better customer information and depot upgrades rounding off a successful first full year of locally controlled buses.
- A new all electric number 30 service will connect previously underserved parts of Salford – the area with biggest resident growth in the North West
- Bee Network hits ¼ billion bus journeys to round off successful first full year under local control – with massive increase in the numbers of people using them
- December also sees completion of second fully electric bus depot and first of almost 300 new customer information screens installed
- Continued investment highlights the Bee Network’s commitment to inclusive, accessible, greener travel
From 4 January a new bus route, the number 30, will connect the Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Salford Quays, Ordsall Lane and Manchester City Centre.
Ordsall has seen significant regeneration in recent years, with around 1,000 new apartments built along the Ordsall Lane corridor. To support this growth – which mirrors a wider trend across Salford as the area with the biggest population increase in the North West – Salford Council has secured around £2m from local developers to help fund bus improvements for residents.
The new 30 service will be all electric and run seven days a week, with a half-hourly service Monday to Saturday. It’s the latest in a series of Bee Network enhancements that have seen three all new routes introduced already, alongside improvements to more than 80 other services, including new night buses.
More and more people are choosing to travel on Bee Network buses. Over 250 million Bee Network bus journeys have now been made, with passenger numbers increasing by 29% and 18% across the first two areas brought under local control.
Rounding off 2025 on a high, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has today announced that:
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
- Middleton bus depot has reopened following the completion of electrification, meaning 53 new electric buses are now carrying Bee Network passengers, marking another major step toward a fully electric bus fleet.
- The first of 284 new digital information screens has also been installed at the bus stop at North Manchester General Hospital, with others being rolled out across the city region over coming months. Each display will provide real-time departure information and disruption updates, with on demand text-to-speech buttons, enabling customers to make informed choices on their travel options.
“It’s been a great first full year of locally controlled buses under the Bee Network.
“Many more people are now getting on board with services that are much more reliable, affordable and accessible, with new routes and more frequent buses better connecting people to jobs and opportunity.
“It’s all part of our plan to deliver a world-class transport network that will support a decade of good growth that benefits every part of Greater Manchester.”
Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, said:
“This new number 30 bus is fantastic news for local people and something we have actively campaigned for here in Salford. Ordsall has seen significant growth and development in recent years with new apartments being constructed and this new service will provide vital connectivity for the community.
“Our council officers secured over £2 million from developers to fund the provision of a new section of bus route covering the Quays and Ordsall. And the service will also be provided by a fleet of new electric buses, supporting our commitments for carbon reduction and improved air quality. I look forward to seeing the route in operation and meeting the passengers using it.”
Across buses and trams, the Bee Network is now carrying more than 18 million passengers a month – with the 132 service, between Wigan Bus Station and The Trafford Centre, recording the highest growth on the network, with passenger numbers up by 66.7% in 2025.
Customer satisfaction has also hit new highs, with an average of 85% across the city region.
Greater Manchester is targeting to boost bus passenger numbers by 30% by 2030, with an ambition for 50% of all journeys in the region to be made by public transport, walking or cycling by 2040.
It’s all part of Greater Manchester’s mission to make public transport better – including a 2030 pledge to ensure 90% of residents are within a five-minute walk or wheeling distance of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:
“It’s great to round off the year with another new service, more electric buses and better customer information to serve the people and businesses of Salford.
“These latest improvements reflect our determination to deliver continuous improvements across Greater Manchester and make the Bee Network - which brings together bus, tram, train and active travel - into a world-class transport network.”
Transport investment will be fundamental to sustaining Greater Manchester’s rate of economic growth, which has outstripped the UK’s average in the past decade. In June, the Government pledged £2.5 billion towards helping the region unlock the UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network.
Editor's Notes
Salford is the fastest growing area of the North West. Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Salford increased by 15.4%, from around 233,900 in 2011 to around 269,900 in 2021. This means Salford's population saw the largest percentage increase in the North West. The population of the North West increased by 5.2%, while the population of England rose by 6.6%.
The continued investments announced today include:
From 4th January 2026, a new bus service, the 30, will launch in Salford, replacing the X50. The new 30 will run from the Trafford Centre through Trafford Park, to MediaCity, along Ordsall Lane and to the City Centre, servicing hundreds of new homes and connecting the city region’s fastest growing population with retail and economic hubs.
- New 30 bus service for Salford:
Electrification of Middleton bus depot
The completion of electrification at Middleton depot earlier this month means 53 new electric buses are operating from the depot, making 18 more services fully electric. It brings the total number of electric buses operating on the Bee Network to 390.
284 new Passenger Information Display screens
Passengers on the Bee Network will be able to access real-time information about their journeys at bus stops and interchanges, following investment in 284 new Passenger Information Displays (PIDS). The screens, or PIDS, will display departure information and disruption updates across bus, tram and trains at key sites across the city region.
https://news.tfgm.com/press-releases/eb2e05d7-91e8-4c1b-8bdd-95d47be3dbd7/new-bus-route-for-salford-amongst-latest-improvements-as-the-bee-network-celebrates-a-successful-first-full-year-under-local-control
I don't live in GM though I have family there so visit regularly.They tell that if anything the service on their local routes has got worse since Metroliner took over.
Bee Network punctuality dipping then slowly rising since 1st Nov - Note: National TC have target of 95% buses within 1 min early or 5 min late
https://tfgm.com/ways-to-travel/bus/punctuality-report/7-to-13-december shows more detail
https://tfgm.com/ways-to-travel/bus/punctuality-report/7-to-13-december shows more detail
Class 466
Established Member
The fact that rain in Manchester of all places constitutes “Adverse Weather” is quite something in the latest performance stats.
There have been multiple flood alerts in recent weeks.
mayneway
Member
Quite a number of services in the Tameside, Glossop and Oldham areas effected by snow and ice over the last few days with many on diversions.
TFGM/Bee Network have set up a special page listing the diversions etc but a couple are really poorly written giving bus users no idea of where the bus is actually going.
237 is the classic ‘ buses will divert and use Manchester road in both directions’ when the diversion is actually using Wooley bridge, Brookfield and straight into the town centre omitting Hollingworth, Tintwhistle and Hadfield.
TFGM/Bee Network have set up a special page listing the diversions etc but a couple are really poorly written giving bus users no idea of where the bus is actually going.
237 is the classic ‘ buses will divert and use Manchester road in both directions’ when the diversion is actually using Wooley bridge, Brookfield and straight into the town centre omitting Hollingworth, Tintwhistle and Hadfield.
Attachments
mayneway
Member
Metroline news,
The 38 and 76/76a/76b are now fully electric and shouldn’t see any older diesel/hybrid vehicles from now on.
The 38 and 76/76a/76b are now fully electric and shouldn’t see any older diesel/hybrid vehicles from now on.
323235
Established Member
Just seen on Facebook / Bustimes that the 87 is getting extended from Chorlton to Stretford from the end of the month.
It looks like this is largely just carrying passengers on trips which already run out of service, as it appears the 87 interworks with the 254 from Stretford (when the 254 runs, which is between the peaks only).
The 87 is obviously a legacy of old style local authority tendered services under deregulation, but even then the timetable is impressively bad for a major city. Last bus at 18:15 weekdays, 17:10 on Saturdays(!), no Sunday service, two hour gaps in the afternoon because the buses are used for school runs, in the new timetable the first arrival at Stretford is after 10am. It looks like something you expect to see in a very rural area.
citybus2500
Member
TEHs and WDSs on them today . . . .
mayneway
Member
Yeah noticed a couple of hybrids on them myself.
Just wondering if this is now TFGM compliance with them wanting the electrics on certain routes, if it is the case then it’s fine time.
Statto
Established Member
Does anyone use the 87, it one of those routes that goes around the houses & is hourly, the 111 covers large section of the 87, & most people from Chorlton to Manchester City Centre would use the 85/85A/86 & Metrolink.
TheSmiths82
Member
There a lot of older people who live in some of the Chorlton estates that is serves so it is probably useful for them. I have always seen people on it but I haven't personally used it. If I go to town I just use the 86 or Metrolink. I think it is a useful bus for Withington Hospital and the MRI.
Plans have been submitted for new temporary (5 years) depot at Stockport
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
When I tried to view the file, all there was just a brief note..."Document Unavailable".
47550
Member
Why is there to be a temporary depot ? I know there is a search for a permanent new depot that can be electrfied but why is it necessary to move out of the existing depot before then ?
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
Is the land on which Daw Bank depot currently stands needed to be available for whatsoever is planned on a time-related basis?
The planning application reference number is DC/097900 and hopefully this link will get you to the application page with all the documents in it. I was just looking and the direct URL to the Design and Access document I see is exactly the same as what Redgate posted, so the fact the link doesn't work suggests the website simply doesn't allow direct links to PDFs.
Anyway according to the Design and Access document, 83 buses will be on the Heaton Lane site, 65 on the Lundy site. Due to the temporary nature of the site, the few buildings will be prefabs.
Why do this? Well that's covered in the Design and Access document, which you can find
(in accordance to forum rules, this is the file with this information in. Which, as we have established, doesn't necessarily work. But it is the link to the file, so what can you do?)
So it's simple. They don't want to wait to start redevelopment of Daw Bank.
Anyway according to the Design and Access document, 83 buses will be on the Heaton Lane site, 65 on the Lundy site. Due to the temporary nature of the site, the few buildings will be prefabs.
Why do this? Well that's covered in the Design and Access document, which you can find
(in accordance to forum rules, this is the file with this information in. Which, as we have established, doesn't necessarily work. But it is the link to the file, so what can you do?)
So it's simple. They don't want to wait to start redevelopment of Daw Bank.
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
At least Stockport has made much improvements to its central core over recent years rather that live in a state of dormant decay.
The document also states that the ‘engineering depot’ I.e the separate building south of the building they are talking about isn’t effected by these plans and will stay in place. The two temporary sites basically being parking areas with some portacabins
Class 466
Established Member
Be surprised if it’s quite that regimented.
Went on my first Bee bus the other day.
Bags of Wheelchair space with flip down seats
Contactless great, smooth ride, friendly drivers, comfy seats.
My question is, were Diamond/First buses only one wheelchair, and what is the wheelchair capacity on a new Bee bus?
Bags of Wheelchair space with flip down seats
Contactless great, smooth ride, friendly drivers, comfy seats.
My question is, were Diamond/First buses only one wheelchair, and what is the wheelchair capacity on a new Bee bus?