A record number of bus journeys have been made since buses in Bolton were taken under public control under the launch of the historic Bee Network.

The network was launched a year ago this week under ground-breaking plans put forward by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who said he is pleased with the progress made to improve the buses - stating it is more reliable.

It was announced on the year to the day of the Bee Network launch that 58 million journeys have been made in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Salford and Bury.

The number of people travelling has increased by five per cent, equating to nearly seven million more journeys.

Bolton buses were among the first in Greater Manchester to be brought back under public control in almost 40 years.

Buses are described as the cornerstone of the Bee Network – accounting for around 75 per cent of all public transport trips – and bus franchising was said to play a key role in delivering the vision for a fully integrated public and active travel network, linking with Metrolink and walking, cycling and wheeling routes.

Three weeks ago, busses running 24/7 from Bolton to Greater Manchester were trialled for an hourly “night service” as part of a year-long pilot and placing 135,000 passengers within a five-minute walking distance from a night bus stop.

(Image: TfGM)

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “One year ago today we made history as the first area to start to bring our buses back under local control for the first time in nearly 40 years.

“I am really pleased at the progress we have made, with services in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Salford and Bury now significantly more reliable than before and record numbers of passengers using the Bee Network.

READ MORE:

What do Andy Burnham's Bee Network ambitions mean in Bolton? | The Bolton News

Bee Network buses below target – but better than before | The Bolton News

“The age and standard of our buses is better than it was, we have more staff on the network, we’re keeping fares low and have launched a night bus pilot.

“I am certain our pioneering Bee Network will continue to go from strength to strength. It is delivering jobs for people here and across the UK – and it’s no surprise that others are looking to follow in our footsteps and that local control of buses is now a major national policy.”

The buses are described as being cleaner, cheaper and more reliable.

Despite daily punctuality of the busses being below the Bee Network’s 80 per cent target, it is said there is evidence of services improving generally.

The Bee Network is also helping to secure jobs and delivering new ones through its franchised contracts and orders with manufacturers.

(Image: Newsquest) Go North West – operator of the big franchises in Bolton, Wigan and parts of Salford and Bury has 158 apprentices working towards driver qualifications, with an additional 10 engineering apprentices.

Keeping fares low has is said to been key to the Bee Network’s continuing success and increasing patronage, with customers enjoying capped fares and a range of great value tickets, with cost of travel coming down further from January 5, when the third and final phase of bus franchising is delivered.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester said: “Huge strides have been made in delivering the Bee Network, which is bringing together buses, trams, trains and active travel into a single, simpler and more affordable system for the people and businesses of Greater Manchester. 

“The first year of operations under bus franchising has proven the model. Patronage, punctuality and revenue are up, and the cost of operation is down. The job now is to continuously improve the service, and we are working with the districts and their local communities to do just that.

“We have also been working hard to respond to feedback. We have listened and improved our app, made changes to improve the most complained about services and focused on ensuring the safety and security of customers and staff. 

“There is still much to do to complete the Bee Network, including the major exercise to bring the remaining 50 per cent of bus services to the south of Greater Manchester under local control in January, introduce tap and go payment and then begin the integration of eight core rail lines. We’re getting on with all of that. 

“This last year has been a huge undertaking for Greater Manchester. I’d like to thank our customers, staff, bus operators, the TravelSafe Partnership and all of our partners for getting us to this point.”