In Greater Manchester, Mayor Andy Burnham has unveiled a phased plan to integrate rail services and stations into the Bee Network by 2028.
The three-phase initiative aims to create a fully integrated, London-style public transport system, covering eight commuter rail lines and 64 stations, with the first services expected to be incorporated by December 2026.
This approach will then be applied to the remaining Greater Manchester stations by 2030.

The plan is designed to enhance passenger experience, encourage public transport use, and stimulate economic growth across the region.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:Our rail system today is acting as a brake on growth and, as the UK’s fastest growing city-region, Greater Manchester deserves better. We need a railway that is reliable and fully integrated with the rest of the Bee Network to drive growth and deliver new homes with public transport connections on the doorstep.
Our plan puts passengers first by delivering a simplified, joined-up public transport network, with better services, stations and overall experience. Only by making travel by train more reliable, simpler, flexible and accessible to everyone, will we convince more people to leave the car at home and make the switch to the Bee Network.
Integrated Ticketing and Fares
As part of the Bee Network plan, contactless tap-in, tap-out ticketing will be introduced on commuter rail lines, starting with services between Manchester, Glossop, and Stalybridge by December 2026.
Simplified fares will allow passengers to travel seamlessly across bus, tram, and train networks, with daily and weekly capped fares ensuring affordability.
Improved Stations and Services
All 64 stations will be upgraded to meet Bee Network standards, featuring improved accessibility, safety, and passenger facilities.
Bee Network-branded trains will be trialled during the first phase of integration.
Underused land around stations will also be redeveloped to create connected communities, with plans to build 750 new homes near rail stations by 2028.
Accessibility Enhancements
Over 60% of stations on the eight lines will have step-free access by 2028, compared to 43% at the end of 2024. Work is already underway at stations like Irlam and Daisy Hill.
New Rail Infrastructure
Plans for a new 32 million GBP station at Golborne have advanced, with government approval for the outline business case. Construction could begin in 2026, with the station opening in 2027.

Phased Implementation
The integration of rail into the Bee Network will proceed in three stages:
- Phase 1 (by December 2026): The first two lines—Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge—will adopt contactless ticketing and upgraded stations, with flagship hubs at Manchester Piccadilly and Stalybridge.
- Phase 2 (by December 2027): Two more lines, including services connecting Manchester Airport, Alderley Edge, and Buxton, will join the network. A new travel hub at Manchester Airport will enhance international connectivity.
- Phase 3 (by December 2028): The remaining lines, including those connecting Rochdale, Wigan, and Southport, will be integrated, completing the transformation of the city-region’s rail services.
Through this transformation, annual train journeys are expected to increase by at least 1.3 million on the first eight lines, reducing reliance on cars. This could remove over 7 million car journeys annually, saving approximately 700 tonnes of carbon.
What’s more, improved transport links will support Greater Manchester’s growth as a key economic hub, with better connectivity for new housing and employment areas.
Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, said:This ambitious plan maintains the momentum behind the integrated Bee Network to power Greater Manchester’s sustainable economic growth and higher productivity and greater opportunity for all.
We have demonstrated what can be done with greater local control and accountability for tram, bus and active travel. As a result, bus punctuality, passenger numbers and revenue are all up with work underway to make continuous improvements to the service. The focus now shifts to working closely with the rail industry and Government to build on that and present a fully integrated transport system to the people and businesses of Greater Manchester.
The plan has been developed in partnership with the rail industry, Network Rail, and the Department for Transport (DfT), and aligns with the government’s national rail reform agenda. The English Devolution White Paper has proposed a formal role for mayoral combined authorities in rail governance, a move welcomed by Burnham.