The Bee Network Committee meeting was scheduled to discuss a refreshed approach to bus network development, updates on the Access for All programme for rail station accessibility, and progress on the Transport Infrastructure Pipeline. The committee was also set to receive an update on delivering transport for a global city region.

Refreshed Approach to Network Development

A report by Alison Chew, Interim Director of Bus at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), was scheduled to outline a proposed new process for developing the bus network. This approach aims to supersede previous area-based network reviews with a more dynamic and responsive system that considers the needs of the entire city region on an ongoing basis. The report was expected to detail a four-phase process for network development, from identifying potential improvements to delivering them. Key criteria for prioritising proposed changes were to include responding to local strategic priorities, ensuring connected places, making services attractive to customers, building an integrated Bee Network, considering performance impact, ensuring value for money, and assessing deliverability. The report also highlighted a package of early interventions that had been developed using an initial iteration of this new process, which aimed to improve connectivity, introduce night bus services across all local authority areas, and enhance overall network performance.

Delivering Transport for a Global City Region

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, was scheduled to provide an update on the performance of Greater Manchester's transport network between September 2025 and February 2026. The report was expected to highlight continued progress in delivering network and customer improvements, with a particular focus on the growth in bus patronage and Metrolink passenger journeys. It was anticipated that the report would detail improvements in service performance and reliability, including bus punctuality figures and Metrolink's performance despite infrastructure renewals. The report was also expected to cover safety and security initiatives, affordability and inclusion measures such as free travel for older and disabled residents on buses, and improvements to the customer experience, including the use of the Bee Network app. Furthermore, updates on infrastructure delivery, such as the electrification of bus depots and the progress of active travel schemes, were anticipated.

Access for All Programme Update

Simon Elliot, Network Director Rail at TfGM, was scheduled to present an update on the Access for All (AfA) Programme. The report was intended to summarise the background to the current prioritisation of rail station accessibility improvements, progress made to date, and the proposed strategy for delivering future schemes. It was expected to detail how Greater Manchester's devolved funding, alongside Department for Transport (DfT) funding, is being used to enhance accessibility at rail stations, with a focus on increasing the percentage of step-free stations across the region. The report was also likely to address the ongoing maintenance and renewal of lifts across the Metrolink network to ensure continued accessibility.

Transport Infrastructure Pipeline

Chris Barnes, Interim Infrastructure Delivery Director at TfGM, was scheduled to provide an update on the progress of delivering a pipeline of transport infrastructure improvements to support the Bee Network. The report was expected to detail recent progress and key milestones across various programmes, including bus infrastructure, integrated measures for customers, transport interchanges, travel hubs, Metrolink stop improvements, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and active travel initiatives. The committee was expected to consider recommendations for the drawdown of Integrated Settlement (CRSTS) funding and associated scheme progression for a range of projects across Greater Manchester, including bus pinch points and maintenance, highway improvements, active travel programmes, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The report was also anticipated to cover funding proposals for Oldham and allocations for active travel schemes, including the Bolton Doffcocker to Bolton Town Centre Phase 1 project.

The meeting was also scheduled to include standard agenda items such as apologies, declarations of interest, chair's announcements, and the minutes of the previous meeting. A section on the exclusion of the press and public was also listed, relating to further discussion on the Transport Infrastructure Pipeline.