Confirmed: the boroughs of Wigan and Bolton, and parts of Bury and Salford, will next year become the first areas in England to see bus services return to public control.
This will take place nine months from now on 24 September 2023.
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The main operator for Wigan and Bolton will be @gnwbus.
Go will become a full member of our Good Employment Charter within a year and a 100% Real Living Wage employer.
The smaller franchises will be operated by @DiamondBusNW.
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gmgoodemploymentcharter.co.uk
Rochdale, Oldham, North Manchester and the rest of Bury will be next and will see the start of #BeeNetwork services on the 31 March 2024.
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On 5th January 2025, just over two years from now, Phase 1 of the #BeeNetwork will be complete.
Buses, Bee Bikes and trams will be fully integrated into a single tap-in, tap-out system with a daily cap on what people can spend, no matter how many journey they make.
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Phase 2 of the #BeeNetwork, from 2025 to 2030, will see rail services brought in (subject to agreement with the Government).
Similar to @TfL Overground, we will seek to bring designated commuter rail services within our capped system, even if they originate outside GM.
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The first rail lines we wish to integrate into the #BeeNetwork are:
🛤️Wigan - Victoria
🛤️Stalybrige - Southport
🛤️Glossop - Hadfield - Piccadilly
🛤️Rose Hill - Piccadilly
🛤️Buxton - Piccadilly
🛤️Alderley Edge - Piccadilly
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The Wigan - Victoria line will include a new station at Golborne.
We will reveal plans for it with partners at @WiganCouncil early in the New Year, which will then be submitted to the Government for final approval.
We expect Golborne Station to open by the end of 2025.
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The rest of the rail network will be integrated by 2030 - subject to agreement with neighbouring areas.
At that point, Phase 2 of the #BeeNetwork will be complete and Greater Manchester will finally have the public transport system our residents deserve.
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Sorry to bombard you but today was a big day for Greater Manchester.
To make it easier, here’s a brief animation summarising the previous eight tweets!👇🏻
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