Bolton station among the first to be included in radical shake-up of train services
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has revealed plans to bring rail services and stations into the Bee Network by 2028, with Bolton being one of the…
Mr Burnham set out the next stage of his plan to drive forward a transport network similar to the one which operates in the capital.
The plans are designed to boost passenger numbers, drive growth and deliver new homes.
Bolton train station will be among the 64 stations to join by 2028.
The proposal is for eight commuter rail lines, covering the stations, to be brought into the Bee Network in three phases.
This will include tap-in tap-out ticketing, integrated fares and simpler fares.
Transport bosses said that this would be done by expanding the daily and weekly fare caps, already being introduced on Bee Network buses and trams this March, to include train travel. The best fare would be calculated for them by Transport for Greater Manchester.
READ MORE: Bolton night bus is proving hugely popular with passengers
Plans for the Bee Network (Image: Bee Network) Under the plan, standards at train stations would be improved with upgraded waiting facilities and improved passenger information.
A trial of Bee Network branded trains will also run.
Under the radical shake-up underused land around stations will be identified for employment and regeneration opportunities. This will include a plan for an initial 750 new homes close to rail stations by 2028.
Farnworth, Hindley and Westhoughton train stations will also be among the first to come under the Bee Network.
A further 32 stations and all lines within Greater Manchester would join by 2030.
The first two lines connecting Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge will join by December 2026.
Read more: Bolton to get money to repair potholes in the town
The first 64 stations to join the network (Image: Bee Network) Others that will join the network by 2030 include Horwich Parkway and Lostock Parkway.
The 32 further stations to join the network (Image: Bee Network) It’s hoped that the expansion of the network will play a major role in reaching net zero targets and should take over seven million cars off the road, saving around 700 tonnes of carbon.
Read more: The reason why Bolton train station has barriers and staff
Bolton will benefit from two planned commuter lines with one between Wigan and Bolton and another between Wigan and Atherton.
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.
“Building on the success of bringing our buses back under local control, we’re planning a phased approach to bringing eight commuter lines and their stations into the Bee Network.
“It will start with lines between the city centre and Glossop and Stalybridge and then expand each year between now and 2028.
“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.
Read more: Northern Trains to get up to 450 new trains in huge upgrade
“Delivering change on the railways is notoriously complex, but our phased plan has been drawn up with and has the backing of the rail industry.
“We’ll continue to work with government - as Great British Rail is established – to support them on the national reform of the railways, enacting the rail powers outlined in the English Devolution White Paper and supporting the Government’s agenda.”
The eight commuter Bee Network Rail lines are:
Rochdale stopping services (Local trains that call at stations between Manchester and Rochdale)
Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge
Glossop, Hadfield and Rose Hill Marple via Guide Bridge
Alderley Edge and Buxton via Stockport
Airport stopping services (Local trains that call at stations between Manchester and Manchester Airport)
Wigan via Golborne
Wigan via Atherton (Local trains continuing on to Southport)
Wigan via Bolton (Local trains continuing on to Southport)
The combined costs of the above capital infrastructure is estimated to be in the order of £114m in the period to the 2028/29 financial year. The estimated expenditure in the period to March 2027 is £34m.
The GMCA committee meeting on the 31st January will be asked to approve fundin.
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.
“With a more seamless and integrated experience for passengers, more people will choose the train for commuting and leisure, helping reduce the call on public subsidy for rail. "