Bus Ambassador

From March 2025, Greater Manchester is hopping on board with the future by bringing in contactless ticketing for buses and trams, just like in London.

Remember when the idea of electric vehicles seemed like something out of a sci-fi film? Well, fast forward to today, and Pelican Bus & Coach has just delivered the UK's first privately operated double-decker electric bus. And not just any bus—this is the Yutong U11DD, the stylish heavyweight champion of eco-friendly transport, rolled out to none other than Westway Coaches of Surrey, a company that knows a thing or two about making a statement on the road.

In its first year of operation, the Bee Network has reshaped the public transport landscape in Greater Manchester. Since its historic launch, over 58 million bus journeys have been made, with a clear shift towards cheaper, cleaner and more reliable services. The initiative has already surpassed expectations, with nearly seven million more bus journeys recorded compared to the previous year, marking a 5% increase.

In a landmark moment for sustainable transport in Liverpool, Mayor Steve Rotheram today revealed the new livery for the Liverpool City Region's publicly owned bus fleet. The announcement was accompanied by news of a major investment in electric buses, marking another significant milestone in the region's journey towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035.

As cities across the globe race towards greener transport, Nottingham is firmly on track with its ambitious plan to electrify its bus fleet. Nottingham City Transport (NCT), one of the UK’s leading bus operators, is rolling out 62 battery-electric buses, a significant step in its transition to zero-emission vehicles. This shift, however, has come with a host of challenges, logistical puzzles and unforeseen costs that highlight the complexities of going green in urban transport.

The final round of Bee Network contracts has been awarded for school services in Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and parts of Manchester and Salford from 5 January 2025.   Transport for Greater Manchester Greater Manchester is the first area to bring buses under local control following de-regulation in 1986 and currently around 50% of services are franchised under the Bee Network. Diamond Bus (North West) Limited has been awarded 7 contracts and Go North West Limited 2 contracts, covering a total of 37 schools to operate the final phase of school bus services. The final Bee Network school bus services will run from Monday 5 January 2025 – at which point all buses across Greater Manchester will be franchised and under local control, with other Bee Network bus services being run by Metroline, Stagecoach, First, Vision, Diamond and Go North West.    There will be no changes to the schools served or the numbers of buses used under the new contracts. As with other Bee Network services, e...

A new chapter in Greater Manchester's night-time economy is about to unfold with the introduction of a 24/7 night bus service, launching this Sunday (1st September). The service, a year-long trial, aims to improve the region's connectivity, catering to the needs of those working and enjoying Greater Manchester's vibrant nightlife. This initiative is seen as a lifeline for the growing population of night-time workers and revellers who rely on public transport during late hours.

Starting from this Sunday the 1st of September 2024, passengers and employees travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport will benefit from significant enhancements to the 86A bus service. Operated by Arriva North West, this popular route, which links the airport with the city centre, will see its daytime frequency doubled, providing a huge boost to public transport connectivity across the region.

In a landmark development, residents and visitors in Lancashire are set to benefit from a host of new and improved bus services. These enhancements, which take effect in September, have been made possible by increased funding through HM Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Residents of the Liverpool City Region are getting their first look at a cutting-edge rapid transport 'Glider,' set to enhance journeys to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the city's football stadia by 2028.

In a landmark announcement, Mayor Steve Rotheram has revealed plans to invest nearly £110 million in the Liverpool City Region bus network. This substantial funding aims to significantly enhance bus services across the area, reflecting a commitment to improving public transport for residents.