New pay system to be introduced on Greater Manchester buses

The Bee Network will introduce a London-style 'touch-in, touch-out' payment system on buses from March 23, 2025.

This will allow passengers to travel seamlessly between buses and trams, with fares automatically calculated for them.

The introduction of the payment system will mean passengers can make unlimited journeys on Bee Network buses and trams from £7.80 a day off-peak.

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, providing cheaper, easier and more convenient transport and simple, easy-to-understand fares and tickets.

"Just over a year ago, the vision started to become a reality when the Bee Network launched, and we saw the first phase of buses joining the Bee Network, representing the biggest change to the bus network in almost 40 years.

"On January 5 next year, that process will be complete.

"Every bus in the region will be working as a part of the Bee Network and accountable to passengers."

The new system will mean that passengers can use their bank cards or smart payment devices to touch in on all Bee Network bus services.

As well as extending the system to bus travel, passengers will also be able to travel across both Metrolink and Bee Network bus services and be charged a single, multi-modal fare, instead of having to plan or buy tickets in advance.

The new system will mean that passengers can use their bank cards or smart payment devices to touch in on all Bee Network bus services (Image: Supplied)

Mr Burnham said: "From March 23, pay as you go will be launching across Bee Network buses, building on the system that has been in place on Metrolink since 2019."

Fran Wilkinson, Transport for Greater Manchester's customer and growth director, said: "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."