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Bee Network Committee - Thursday, 24th September, 2026 2.00 pm
September 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm Bee Network Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Bee Network Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss and approve significant funding allocations for transport infrastructure and active travel projects across Greater Manchester. Key decisions included the drawdown of £60 million for highway maintenance and the approval of various schemes within the transport infrastructure pipeline, alongside progress updates on the network's net-zero ambitions.
Transport Infrastructure Pipeline Funding
The committee approved the drawdown of substantial funding for various transport infrastructure projects. A significant portion, £60 million, was allocated for highway maintenance across the ten local authorities, utilising a previously agreed formula based on network size, bridges, and street lighting. This funding aims to address the backlog of highway maintenance and improve the condition and resilience of the road network.
Further approvals were granted for specific schemes within the transport infrastructure pipeline, totalling over £20 million in Integrated Settlement (CRSTS) funding. These include:
- Pelican to Puffin Crossing Upgrades: £4.662 million to upgrade 80 pedestrian crossings near schools to Puffin crossings, enhancing safety and ease of travel.
- City Centre Bus Strategy Phase 1: £9.006 million for improvements along Princess Street in Manchester, including footway widening, bus stop upgrades, and urban realm enhancements.
- Improving Journeys: Bury – Rochdale ITS Enhancements: £0.24 million for advanced CCTV, traffic counters, and variable message signs to improve real-time monitoring and traffic management on this key corridor.
- Hattersley Station Footbridge: £3.6 million to incorporate the pedestrian footbridge scheme into TfGM's Access for All programme.
- Travel Hubs Smaller Access Works: £1.85 million to improve pedestrian access and safety at nine Metrolink and Rail stations across Bury, Manchester, Oldham, and Trafford.
- Elton Reservoir Metrolink Stop: £0.161 million to support the further development of the Metrolink stop, travel hub, and park and ride scheme.
- Trafford: Warwick Road and Stretford Cycleways: £0.26 million to develop the proposed junction upgrade to Full Business Case, aiming to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Manchester: Wythenshawe Manchester Active Travel Strategy and Infrastructure Plan (MATSIP) Phase 2: £1.63 million for footway widening, resurfacing, and improved crossing facilities along Altrincham Road.
Additionally, the committee approved the drawdown of revenue resources to support capacity building and the development of longer-term pipelines for both TfGM and the ten local authorities. This consolidated revenue funding, totalling approximately £18.685 million for 2026/27 and £55.763 million over three years, aims to provide multi-year certainty and simplify governance.
Active Travel Funding
The committee also approved the drawdown of £1 million in unallocated Active Travel Funding. This will support the School Streets Programme (£0.5 million), Active Travel Remedial Works (£0.2 million), and Secure Cycle Parking (£0.3 million), enabling investment across nine local authority areas.
Transport and Net Zero
Progress in delivering Greater Manchester's commitment to a greener, fairer city-region and a zero-emission public transport system by 2030 was noted. This includes the selection of a preferred supplier for a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement to provide renewable energy for the Metrolink network, acting as a pathfinder for future clean energy arrangements. Continued progress in decarbonising the Bee Network bus fleet, with over a third of large franchise buses now zero-emission, was also highlighted. These measures support Greater Manchester's carbon neutrality commitment by 2038.
Bee Network Performance Monitoring
The committee received an update on the Bee Network's performance, noting that bus punctuality remained above target for the seventh consecutive month. Metrolink punctuality also remained strong. However, rail performance across all operators serving Greater Manchester declined, impacted by external incidents and operator-related issues. The report also highlighted the successful launch of digital Our Pass on Apple Wallet and the upcoming introduction of free bus travel for 11–16 year-olds.
Other Business
The committee also noted updates on appointments to outside bodies, including the Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Board, and formally noted the terms of reference and rules of procedure. Apologies were received from several councillors and officials. There were no declarations of interest made during the meeting.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Apologies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council noted apologies from several councillors and a commissioner on 24 September 2026. Recommendations were approved.
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Bee Network Performance Monitoring
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council noted the performance of the Bee Network on 24/09/2026. Recommendations were approved.
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Terms of Reference & Rules of Procedure
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee noted the terms of reference and rules of procedure on 24 September 2026. The committee's responsibilities include decision-making on transport network operations, performance monitoring, policy development, and local coordination.
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Chair's Announcements and Urgent Business
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council approved recommendations on 24/09/2026. The committee's decision related to declarations of interest.
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Minutes of the meeting held on 25th June 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council decided to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 25 June 2026. The committee also approved various funding drawdowns for transport infrastructure projects, including bus strategies, interchange improvements, Metrolink expansion, and active travel schemes. Authority was delegated to the Group Chief Executive and Vice-Chair to approve further funding drawdowns before the next meeting.
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Transport Infrastructure Pipeline
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee approved the drawdown of Integrated Settlement (CRSTS) funding for various transport infrastructure projects, including Pelican to Puffin crossing upgrades, City Centre Bus Strategy Phase 1, and Hattersley Station. The committee also approved the drawdown of £60m for Highways Maintenance, subject to GMCA approval. Additionally, they approved the drawdown of Active Travel Funding for the School Streets Programme, Active Travel Remedial Works, and Secure Cycle Parking.
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Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee noted the current transport infrastructure pipeline position. The committee also noted proposals for the consolidation of revenue funding, the allocation of £60m capital headroom to 10 Local Authorities for highways maintenance, and the allocation of Active Travel funding.
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Appointments to Outside Bodies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council decided to approve recommendations on 24/09/2026. It was noted that Cllr Barry Winstanley, Cllr Grace Baynham, and Cllr Michael Welton were appointed to the Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Board. It was also noted that Cllr Tracey Rawlins and Cllr Jacqueline Owen would remain members of the Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Board for 2026/27.
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Appointment Updates
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee noted updates on appointments made at the June meeting and the appointments of Mayoral Appointees for political balance. This decision was made on 24/09/2026.
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Transport and Net Zero
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council decided to approve recommendations on 24/09/2026. The committee noted progress in delivering the Greater Manchester Strategy, the selection of a preferred supplier for a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement, and continued progress in decarbonising the bus fleet. These measures support Greater Manchester's carbon neutrality commitment and net zero ambitions.
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