Greater Manchester’s Bee Network: New Livery and New Buses by 2023

Franchised operations by 2025 across whole of city region with 50 new electric buses for first phase

In a year’s time, there will be quite a buzz in our city region as The Bee Network takes shape. Firstly, the Metrolink trams will have a slightly different livery. Secondly, there will also be (bee?) hireable yellow bikes in our city centre.

Relief as Over Sixty Important Bus Routes are Spared Service Cuts

Funding found for socially necessary Greater Manchester bus routes

With the perfect storm of skyrocketing energy prices and swingeing bus service cuts, Greater Manchester’s bus users could have been in for a much bleaker winter. The loss of Department of Transport funding on the 4th October from COVID Recovery grants would have seen cuts to 33 bus routes and the loss of 31 bus routes.

Greater Manchester’s Cut Price Fare Scheme Starts Next Month

Greater Manchester Combined Authority brings cheap fares cap a year forward

If the bus you normally board is £2.60 one way or £6.40 for a day, we have some good news for you. Especially if you live in Greater Manchester, because you’ll be in for a treat.

The Wight Way To See The Isle of Wight: Now You Know What I Did This Summer, 2022

A look at what the Isle of Wight’s public transport network has to offer

The British Isles has more than 6,200 islands. As well as the mainland, this includes the Channel Islands, Western Isles and the Isle of Man. South of The Solent is the Isle of Wight, up to an hour on Wightlink and Red Funnel ferries from Southampton, Lymington and Portsmouth.

Dogs on Trams: Yappy Days Indeed

Why dogs on Metrolink trams is a long time coming

For some people, the 1st August is Yorkshire Day, a celebration of all things to all Yorkshire folk. For example, its cultural tapestry, scenery and fine food. In Greater Manchester, it is observed by Saddleworth folk with festivals and white roses. It kicks off Saddleworth’s summertime events like the Rushcart Festival and (unofficially this year) the Yanks Weekend.

Defending our Station Ticket Offices

How closing all our station ticket offices will make train travel even less accessible

Manchester Victoria station, 4th June 1986

For a young lad raised on Thomas the Tank Engine and orange and white buses, there was nothing more exciting than travelling by train. Especially an InterCity one. Back in 1986, train journeys were a rare treat for me as we went everywhere by bus.

Why Will Greater Manchester’s Buses Be Yellow and Black?

The significance of Transport for Greater Manchester’s chosen colour scheme

Once upon a time, you could tell a city or town bus by its colour scheme. Bury’s were in a lighter green than Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield Transport Board. Oldham meant maroon and cream, later Devon Cream and Pommard. As for London’s buses, you couldn’t imagine seeing them in blue instead of red.

Why Should You Support the RMT Rail Strike

East of the M60 says “Forward with the Railway Workers”

If our nation was a song by The Smiths, it would be Nowhere Fast from the Meat Is Murder album. It is fair to say this week’s rail strike is part of the problem, but nobody – ever takes lightly – the right to down tools.

Greater Manchester’s Bus Fare Deal: £2.00 Singles from September 2022

New fares cap comes into force from September 2022

In three months time, Greater Manchester will take a step closer towards re-regulating its buses. Though franchised operations will commence in 2025, it has taken back control of some of its bus fares.

A Beginners’ Guide to British Railways Mark 1 Coaching Stock

A guide to British Railways’ first railway carriage design for the absolute beginner

If you go to your nearest preserved railway line, there’s a good chance your train would be hauled by 1950s carriages. They will certainly be slam door carriages with doors at either end of the carriage, with another set half way through. In many cases, the middle set of doors are sealed up to make extra luggage space.