Historic moment as Bee Network rolled out in Stockport

Bus services across Stockport have joined the Bee Network as part of the final phase of the roll-out of bus franchising across Greater Manchester – to deliver improved services, better buses and affordable fares.

More than 250 bus routes across Trafford, Stockport, Tameside and parts of Manchester and Salford joined the Bee Network on 5 January, completing the phased introduction of bus franchising across Greater Manchester - on time and on budget.

The change means a total of 577 routes and 1,600 buses - accounting for more than 160m trips per year – are back under local control and accountable to the people and businesses of Greater Manchester for the first time in almost 40 years.

They are also playing a key role in the Bee Network, our plan for a fully integrated London-style transport system bringing together buses, trams, walking, cycling and rail services by 2028.

Since its launch in 2023, the Bee Network has delivered transformational change, with growing numbers of people travelling on more reliable bus services. It’s also seen the introduction of affordable fares, new and extended routes and better, more accessible buses connecting communities to jobs, skills and education opportunities.

And it’s supporting the region as a whole helping to drive economic growth and productivity, creating jobs and unlocking housing and development.

Specific improvements to bus services in Stockport include:
313 (Manchester Airport - Cheadle Hulme – Stockport)
• All journeys currently terminating at Gilbent will run through to Manchester Airport.

314 (Stockport – Woodbank Estate – Offerton circular bus route) and 325 (Stockport – Brinnington circular)
• Monday to Saturday evening: Later journey added Mon-Sat for train connection at Stockport.

330 (Ashton-under-Lyne - Dukinfield - Hyde - Woodley – Stockport)
• Monday to Saturday daytime: Earlier journey added for tram connections at Ashton Interchange.
• Monday to Saturday evening: Later journey added for tram connections at Ashton Interchange.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “I welcome the Bee Network arriving in Stockport, bringing our bus services under local control and simplifying fares for our residents.
"We all deserve reliable and efficient public transport, and I’m assured that this new initiative will help to improve routes, schedules, and the overall travel experience for those living in and visiting Stockport.

“Our new Interchange is a real jewel in our ongoing £1billion transformation of our town centre, and the Bee Network’s new services will hopefully help to connect our communities across the borough.”

With all buses now back under local control (from 5 January) everyone using the Bee Network in Greater Manchester will also benefit from:

• A low single ‘hopper’ fare (£2 adult/£1 child) so you can ‘hop on’ on more than one bus within 60 minutes of buying your ticket.
• Cheaper 7-day, 28-day and annual Bee Bus tickets making travel easier.
• Frozen Metrolink fares for the fifth year running.
• Even more TravelSafe staff out on the network.

In spring 2025 we’re also introducing combined contactless travel across trams AND buses with a daily and weekly cap, making it easier than ever to pay.

Key improvements delivered as a part of the Bee Network include:

• Improvements on key bus routes, with more frequent, earlier and later services linking up with trams and trains.
• A range of value for money Bee Bus tickets that can be used on all Bee Network buses.
• Hundreds of newer, cleaner Bee Network buses.

The completion of bus franchising marks the end of phase one of the delivery of the Bee Network as a whole. The same focus will now be applied to transforming rail travel across Greater Manchester, including integration of eight priority rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028, the first new stations in more than 20 years and significant upgrades to make more stations accessible.

Bus services operating in Stockport which will be joining the Bee Network on 5 January include:
• 7: Ashton – Droylsden – Reddish – Stockport
• 11: Altrincham – Wythenshawe – Stockport
• 23: Trafford Centre – Didsbury – Stockport
• 25: Trafford Centre – Chorlton – Stockport
• 42: Stockport – East Didsbury – Manchester
• 42A: Reddish – East Didsbury – Manchester
• 42B: Woodford – East Didsbury –Manchester
• 42C: Handforth – Cheadle – East Didsbury – Manchester
• 191: Hazel Grove – Stockport – University – Manchester
• 192/X92: Hazel Grove –Stockport – Manchester
• 197: Stockport – Green End – Longsight – Manchester
• 203: Stockport – Reddish – Manchester
• 309/310: Stockport – Edgeley – Cheadle – Adswood circular
• 312: Stockport – Bridge Hall – Cheadle
• 313: Manchester Airport – Cheadle Hulme –Stockport
• 314: Stockport – Offerton Circular
• 322: Stockport – Brinnington – Haughton Green
• 325: Stockport – Brinnington Circular
• 327: Stockport – Brinnington – Denton
• 358/360: Hayfield – Strines – Marple – Stockport
• 364: Stockport – Woodbank Park Circular
• 368: Wythenshawe Hospital – Cheadle Hulme –Stockport
• 370/371: Altrincham – Cheadle – Stockport
• 374: Hazel Grove – Davenport – Stockport
• 378/379/378A: Cheadle Hulme – Bramhall – Stockport
• 382: Woodley – Romiley – Bredbury – Stockport
• 383/384: Stockport – Marple Circular
• 385: Mellor – Stockport