The first passenger trains in the Bee Network will join by the end of 2026, after Greater Manchester disclosed the next steps in its ambitious transport system.

Unveiling a yellow-branded Northern train, the regional mayor, Andy Burnham , said two lines from central Manchester – to Glossop and Stalybridge – would join the network in a year, allowing contactless travel with fares capped across trains, buses and trams.

The city region is on track to create the UK’s first fully integrated public transport system outside London, after taking back control of buses along with the Metrolink. Passengers will be able to tap in and out for travel across 17 railway stations by the end of next year, and all those in Greater Manchester are planned to be within the Bee Network by 2030.

Transpor

See Full Page