Greater Manchester’s Bee Network Committee has signed off several millions of pounds worth of investment in transport infrastructure across the city region.
Funding from Greater Manchester’s £1.07 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the wider Greater Manchester Transport Capital Programme has been allocated to support the continued delivery and improvement of the Bee Network and progress towards an integrated public transport system for the entire city-region across buses, trams, trains and walking and cycling infrastructure.
The pipeline of work approved by the Bee Network Committee will support a range of projects to improve performance of the network. Investment will also support the transport network’s role in delivering sustainable economic growth, increased productivity. It also has a vital role to play in unlocking development, enabling housing growth, acting as a catalyst for regeneration, reducing carbon emissions and supporting social inclusion and active and healthy lifestyles.
Among the schemes being backed by the funding include extension of the GM Active Travel Fund Tranche 4, which will see nine schemes to provide new or upgraded crossing facilities for those walking, wheeling or cycling in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford supported with £3.83 million of investment. £1.31 million will also go towards continued development of the Greater Manchester proposal for Northern Powerhouse Rail, connecting Liverpool to Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly with a new railway line, as well as wider connectivity at Piccadilly, the Airport and Wigan. It will also support the Liverpool Manchester Railway Board in helping to build a business case for this new railway corridor in order to meet partner ambitions and establish economic growth opportunities.
£1.8 million will also support technology measures to improve customer travel information on the Bee Network and help with journey planning on the Bee Network app and third-party services, as well as real-time information at bus stops and interchanges.
Chris Barnes, Network Director for Infrastructure at TfGM, said:
“Our pipeline of investment in transport infrastructure is key to the delivery and success of the Bee Network.
“I am delighted that funding for these projects has been approved by the Committee, as each one will play an important role in improving journeys for people across Greater Manchester, whatever mode of transport they use.
“We are committed to the continuous improvement of the Bee Network and it is essential that our transport infrastructure is robust, modern and enables a public transport system that meets the needs of everyone in our city region.”
