Historic Moment As Bee Network Rolled Out In Tameside

Date Released - 06/01/2025

Bus services across Tameside have joined the Bee Network as part of the final phase of the roll-out of bus franchising across Greater Manchester – to deliver improved services, better buses and affordable fares.

More than 250 bus routes across Trafford, Stockport, Tameside and parts of Manchester and Salford joined the Bee Network on 5 January, completing the phased introduction of bus franchising across Greater Manchester - on time and on budget.

The move means that every bus in Greater Manchester is now back under local control for the first time in almost 40 years and playing a key role in the Bee Network, our plan for a fully integrated London-style transport system bringing together buses, trams, walking, cycling and rail services by 2028.

Since its launch in 2023, the Bee Network has delivered transformational change, with growing numbers of people travelling on more reliable bus services. It’s also seen the introduction of affordable fares, new and extended routes and better, more accessible buses connecting communities to jobs, skills and education opportunities.

And it’s supporting the region as a whole helping to drive economic growth and productivity, creating jobs and unlocking housing and development. 

Specific improvements to bus services in Tameside include:

201 (Hattersley - Hyde - Denton - Manchester City Centre)

330 (Ashton-under-Lyne - Dukinfield - Hyde - Woodley – Stockport)

347 (Ashton-under-Lyne - Denton - Haughton Green circular)

Cllr Eleanor Wills, Leader of Tameside Council, said: “The inclusion of Tameside's buses in the Bee Network is a very positive development for our borough. It promises more reliable services and better integration with other modes of transport, facilitating smoother, more frequent journeys for all and contributing to our sustainability goals. Being part of a cohesive Greater Manchester will benefit everyone.”

With all buses now back under local control (from 5 January) everyone using the Bee Network in Greater Manchester will also benefit from:

In spring 2025 we’re also introducing combined contactless travel across trams AND buses with a daily and weekly cap, making it easier than ever to pay.

The process of change started in September 2023 when bus services in Bolton, Wigan, and parts of Bury, Manchester and Salford joined the Bee Network. Bus services in Oldham, Rochdale, and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester joined the network on 24 March 2024.

The third and final phase of the launch of bus franchising – including Tameside – launches on 5 January, 2025 and will mean a total of 577 routes and 1,600 buses - accounting for more than 160m trips per year – are back under local control and accountable to the people and businesses of Greater Manchester.

Key improvements delivered as a part of the Bee Network include:

The completion of bus franchising marks the end of phase one of the delivery of the Bee Network as a whole. The same focus will now be applied to transforming rail travel across Greater Manchester, including integration of eight priority rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028, the first new stations in more than 20 years and significant upgrades to make more stations accessible.

Notes to Editors

Bus services operating in Tameside which will be joining the Bee Network on 5 January include:
A to Z of Services
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