‘Say yellow’ to a bright new future for transport
02 April 2025,
Transport for Greater Manchester painted the town yellow last week to celebrate the launch of multi-modal ‘tap and go’ on buses and trams.
Not quite literally, but with the unmissable presence of yellow liveried buses and trams coursing through the heart of Manchester, it’s as if yellow has become the unofficial brand colour not just of the Bee Network, but of the thriving city as a whole.
Manchester is taking pride in its re-regulated bus network, which has been rolled-out at a fast pace with impressive clarity of vision. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have their eyes on the prize of an integrated public transport system, which unifies bus and tram and will ultimately incorporate heavy rail.
While it is a bold destination, the local transport authority has shown incredible leadership as the first local authority to take up bus franchising powers. Its modern account-based ticketing system, a crucial part of improving bus services, involves a common back office across both bus and tram. Supplied by Vix Technology, it’s the unseen hero of the simple ‘tap and go’ experience that allows passengers to access travel on Bee Network buses or trams using their contactless card or device as a ‘ticket’ – and enjoy built-in value through fare caps.
Smashing public transport goals in Greater Manchester
The team at TfGM have shared some fantastic data on the achievements of the Bee Network since its launch in September 2023, and we’ve collected some of the headline stats it has published:
- 50 million contactless tram journeys (milestone reached March 19, 2025)
- 100 million Bee Network bus journeys (as of January 30, 2025)
- 1.2 million people in easy reach of a high frequency bus or tram service
- 80% or higher punctuality of the first buses to come under local control
- Average ticket costs reduced by 15%
- Tram usage up by more than 20% over the past year
- 5% increase in passengers using the Bee Network
The completion of bus franchising, while other local authorities are yet to start their journey, makes Manchester something of a poster city for re-regulation. We’re pleased to play a central role in providing an account-based ticketing system to support Manchester’s vision.