Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has revealed plans to integrate rail services into the Bee Network by 2028, creating a “London-style” public transport system. This initiative aims to boost passenger numbers, drive economic growth, and deliver new homes.
The plan, developed in partnership with the rail industry, Department for Transport (DfT), and Shadow Great British Rail, focuses on improving transport and unlocking regeneration and housing opportunities around stations.
Eight commuter rail lines, encompassing 64 stations, will be integrated into the Bee Network in three phases. The first two lines, connecting Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge, are set to join by December 2026. Full integration of all Greater Manchester lines is planned for 2030.
This initiative is projected to increase annual train trips by 1.3 million, encouraging public transport use and expanded service hours, including evenings and weekends. It also aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth and ensure new housing developments have direct rail connections.
By 2028, the Bee Network rail integration aims to deliver:
- Tap in, tap out ticketing: Contactless payment across commuter rail lines, integrated with the Bee Network app and travel shops.
- Simpler fares: Expansion of daily and weekly fare caps (already planned for buses and trams) to include train travel, subject to government agreement on national fare reform.
- Bee Network stations and trains: Upgraded stations with Bee Network branding, improved safety, accessibility, and passenger facilities. A trial of Bee Network-branded trains will also take place.
- Regeneration around stations: Identifying underused land for employment and housing, with a target of 750 new homes near stations by 2028.
- Service improvements: Collaboration with the government and rail industry to enhance reliability and implement service changes. Exploring opportunities to optimise both freight and passenger journeys.
- Improved accessibility: Accelerating accessibility upgrades, with over 60% of stations on the initial eight lines having step-free access by 2028.
- New stations: Government approval has been granted for a new £32 million station in Golborne, with work expected to begin in 2026 and services starting in 2027.
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.
“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 phased approach involves:
- Phase 1 (by December 2026): Tap in/tap out ticketing on the Manchester Victoria-Stalybridge and Manchester Piccadilly-Glossop lines. Bee Network branding and station upgrades.
- Phase 2 (by December 2027): Tap in/tap out on the Manchester Piccadilly-Airport/Alderley Edge/Buxton lines. Station upgrades.
- Phase 3 (by December 2028): Integration of the Rochdale, Wigan (via Atherton/Bolton/Golborne) lines. Station upgrades.

The plan also addresses the need for broader rail reform, with Greater Manchester working with the government to shape new arrangements for funding, governance, and services.
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.
“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. This plan also needs to be developed in parallel with national reform of rail, with a clearly defined role for mayoral combined authorities in the running of services. We look forward to working closely with Government to finalise those arrangements.”
Rob McIntosh, North West & Central Managing Director at Network Rail, said: “Network Rail is committed to a process of devolution that benefits our passengers, partners and the taxpayer.
“We know that rail is key to a locally integrated transport system and therefore fundamental to unlocking growth and opportunity.
“That’s why we are delighted to support and help Greater Manchester deliver these Bee Network ambitions.”