24-hour Manchester transport pilot to launch with new night bus services

A 24-hour transport pilot is set to get underway in parts of Greater Manchester from September.

Night buses will run on the V1 and the 36, connecting Manchester with Leigh and Bolton via Salford – areas which were among the first to be taken over by the Bee Network.

TfGM says the scheme has been designed to support the region’s night-time economy and those who work within it, from hospitality staff to health and logistics workers.

The trial will see services run at least every hour, providing 24-hour connectivity for around 135,000 people living within 400m of the V1 and 36. You can view the 36 timetable and V1 timetable now.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I’m really excited by Greater Manchester’s potential as an engine of growth – but it will only be fully realised if we have the transport infrastructure in place to get people to and from our thriving employment centres whatever the time of day or night.

“Better transport at night is something I know people have been crying out for, and I must thank Sacha Lord, who has been instrumental in getting us to the point where we can confirm the first night Bee Network services are now just a few weeks away.

“The Bee Network allows us to develop the services that best serve people and businesses across our city region. Transport should never be a barrier to opportunity, and this is a step towards improving things for people who work – or want to work – in our hospitals, care homes, clubs, bars, distribution centres or theatres.”

The V1 and 36 have been chosen due to their proximity to key nighttime economy employment sites, such as hotels, bars and clubs, hospitals and distribution centres.

They also serve areas with high numbers of people less likely to own a car and more likely to use public transport, including students.

A team of Travelsafe Support and Enforcement Officers (TSEOs) has already been rolled out on the Bee Network to support customers, and this will be extended to support the pilot.

Customers can also report incidents to a police call handler from their smartphone using the TravelSafe LiveChat service, which is available through the Bee Network app.

TravelSafe Live Chat is staffed by professionally trained call handlers from the GMP call centre who have knowledge of the public transport network and know how to get in touch with key TravelSafe partners.

Messages sent via Live Chat will be triaged similarly to an emergency 999 call to figure out the best course of action, whether it’s to log the incident as a crime, or request police to attend depending on the severity of the situation.

TfGM says it is also working with Strut Safe, a UK-wide phoneline that anyone can contact when walking alone. Strut Safe can be contacted on 0333 335 0026 between 7pm and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and between 7pm and 1am on Sundays.