Committee of Bee Network advances swift transit initiatives

Greater Manchester Commits to Major Expansion of Public Transport Network

Greater Manchester is set to undergo a significant transformation in its public transport system, with the ambition to create a network befitting a global city region. The responsible entity, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), has initiated studies to expand the Metrolink network, including connections from Salford Crescent and Salford Quays, as well as to the northwest region with options for Leigh, Wigan, and Bolton.

The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has pledged to connect all ten boroughs to the Metrolink network. Work on the Strategic Outline Case for the completion of the Metrolink Airport Line 'Western Leg' will start this year, serving areas such as Manchester Airport, Wythenshawe Hospital, and Davenport Green.

Moreover, £6m funding has been allocated for advancing planning work on tram and tram-train projects in the region. This includes construction for tram-train projects, such as connections to Hazel Grove, Tameside via Denton and Reddish, and Manchester Airport, set to begin in 2030.

The plans also include the potential for underground infrastructure in the city centre, and the work aims to link every borough in Greater Manchester to the Metrolock network. The Bee Network Committee has signed off on these expansions, and further work will be conducted in 2025 on Middleton & the Northern Gateway and Trafford Waters, Port Salford & the Western Gateway.

The mayor and local council leaders have pledged that by 2030, 90% of people in the city-region will be within a five-minute walk of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes. This commitment to improving public transport is part of a long-term plan that includes developing the case for a pipeline of tram and tram-train new lines and extensions.

The plans were discussed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the preparation for the Strategic Outline Case for expanding Metrolink connections to Salford Crescent, Salford Quays, and out to the North-West of the city-region will start in summer 2026.

The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive, sustainable, and efficient public transport system that will reduce reliance on private vehicles and improve the quality of life for residents. The fourth annual CiTTi Awards, recognising achievements and innovations in sustainable transport planning, will take place on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, offering an opportunity to celebrate these advancements.

As the expansion of the public transport network progresses, Greater Manchester continues to demonstrate its commitment to becoming a global city region with a transport system to match.