TFGMPlans to integrate trains into the Greater Manchester transport network have been unveiled by the region’s mayor Andy Burnham.
Burnham was at Manchester’s Piccadilly station to unveil the first Northern train to join the local Bee Network of buses and trams from December next year.
The train, with the same yellow branding as Bee Network buses, heralds the first integrated public transport system outside London, with tap in, tap out ticketing as part of a plan to make travelling simpler and more affordable.
New airport services, station upgrades and improved customer information will be rolled out over the coming year, with better disabled access at some stations.
Burnham said: “With one year to go until rail joins the Bee Network, we are on the cusp of delivering a fully integrated, world-class transport system for our global city region.
“These changes will make everyday journeys easier and open up new opportunities for people across Greater Manchester.”
TFGMHe added: “This is just the beginning – more rail lines will follow in 2027 and 2028 as we continue our journey to make travel safer, easier and better connected to local communities, so people feel they are getting good value for money.”
Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “Thanks to our rail reforms giving local leaders the power and support to deliver schemes like this, we are creating a fairer, more prosperous transport network that people can be proud of.”
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “We have a shared vision of delivering a reliable and inclusive railway that meets the needs of everyone in the region, opens up a range of new opportunities and supports economic growth.
