Further improvements for AI-recommended routes are now in the pipeline. This latest milestone follows the completion of the final phase of bus franchising at the start of the year, with a record daily total of , journeys recorded on 30 January. As the first region in 40 years to franchise its bus network, Greater Manchester now has control over routes, fares, and service standards.
This approach allows for close monitoring of network performance, including the use of AI technology to inform decision-making and service improvements. To enhance service reliability and punctuality, an additional sixteen buses will now be introduced to key routes serving Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, and Bury.
The adjustments are informed by the CitySwift AI platform, which analyses route performance data, including punctuality, reliability, and journey times. Timetable changes are also being made to improve overall service performance. Since the introduction of bus franchising, 75 Bee Network services have been adjusted, and 27 additional buses have been deployed to strengthen service reliability. Greater Manchester has also maintained a 2 GBP cap on single adult bus fares 1 GBP for children , introduced in September to help with the cost of living.
The next key development for the Bee Network is the integration of bus and tram services into a unified payment system in March.
This will introduce a contactless tap-and-go system, ensuring passengers automatically pay the lowest daily or weekly fare for their travel. The new system will include a daily cap of 9.
