Subscribe to updates
You'll receive weekly summaries about Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council every week.
If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.
Prefer no ads? Become a Supporter for £3.50/month
Bee Network Committee - Thursday, 29th October, 2026 2.00 pm
October 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm Bee Network Committee View on council website Watch video of meetingSummary
Open Council Network is an independent organisation. We report on Greater Manchester Combined Authority and are not the council. About us
The Bee Network Committee noted progress on integrating local rail services into the Bee Network and received updates on the performance of the Bee Network, including bus and Metrolink punctuality, and the ongoing transition to zero-emission public transport. The committee endorsed the introduction of free bus travel for 11-16 year olds from January 2027, subject to eligibility criteria and operational arrangements, with a further report to be presented to the committee detailing implementation updates. This endorsement is subject to consideration by GMCA and a Mayoral decision.
Free Bus Travel for 11-16 Year Olds
The committee endorsed the introduction of a new free travel concession for eligible 11 to 16-year-olds on Bee Network bus services and participating service permit operators within Greater Manchester, set to begin in January 2027. This initiative, which will be known as 'Our Pass 11-16', aims to save families up to £500 per child annually and improve access to education, employment, and social opportunities. Applications for the scheme will open on 8 December 2026. The report noted that this change requires a decision by the Mayor to vary the Greater Manchester Local Concessionary Fares Scheme under Section 93 of the Transport Act 1985, and that the report will be considered by GMCA on 13th November 2026. A further report will be presented to the committee detailing implementation updates, including capacity and safety preparations. The scheme is estimated to have an annual net cost of approximately £20 million, funded through additional bus sector funding.
Strategic Rail Update
The committee noted the progress in integrating local rail services and stations into the Bee Network, with the first 14 stations scheduled to join in December 2026 and a further 15 in March 2027. Customer benefits being delivered include simpler fares, station improvements, better information, enhanced accessibility, and the introduction of contactless rail travel. The Greater Manchester Rail Board is working to translate the Greater Manchester Rail Vision to 2050 into a phased delivery plan. The committee supported continued joint working with the Government and rail industry partners to improve current railway performance and develop a programme of future rail investment. Progress on national rail reform and the Railways Bill was noted, with continued engagement to secure a partnership with Great British Railways. An update on Northern Powerhouse Rail was also provided, with a more detailed report on options for an underground station at Manchester Piccadilly to be presented at a future meeting. A further report will also be brought back to the Committee detailing the delivery plan, Sunday services, the rationale for punctuality targets, station accessibility, and bicycles on trains.
Bee Network Performance
The committee received an update on the Bee Network's performance during August and September 2026. Bus patronage showed increases, and Metrolink maintained strong punctuality, while cycle hire usage continued to grow. However, rail services faced challenges due to infrastructure failures and availability issues, leading to cancellations and timetable changes. Bus punctuality in September was below target, impacted by roadworks and the return to school. The report highlighted the launch of significant bus service enhancements at the end of August, including new routes and night bus services, extending 24-hour public transport access to more communities. The transition to a zero-emission bus fleet is progressing, with 38% of buses now operating on large franchises as zero-emission. The committee also noted the expansion of School Streets schemes, which restrict vehicle access during drop-off and pick-up times to improve road safety and encourage active travel. A follow-up report on Vision Zero developments will be prepared for the Committee.
English National Concessionary Travel Scheme 09:30 Restriction Removal – 6 Month Update
The committee was updated on the impact of removing the pre-09:30am travel restriction for English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) concessionary pass holders in Greater Manchester, which came into effect on 1 March 2026. ENCTS journeys now account for approximately 15% of all Bee Network boardings, with a 7.8% increase in ENCTS concessionary travel boardings compared to the same period last year. Customer research indicates that the removal of the restriction has significantly benefited older and disabled customers by increasing affordability, independence, and social inclusion. Journey demand has become more evenly distributed across the morning period, with no reported overcrowding issues attributable to the policy change. From 1 April 2027, disabled bus pass holders across England will be able to travel free at any time of day, and in Greater Manchester, both older person and disabled pass holders will continue to travel without time restrictions.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Thursday 26th November 2026.
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.
-
Apologies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority noted apologies from several councillors and officials on 29/10/2026. Recommendations were approved.
-
English National Concessionary Travel Scheme 09:30 Restriction Removal - 6 Month Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee noted the report on 29/10/2026. The report provided an update on the impact of removing the 09:30 travel restriction for English National Concessionary Travel Scheme pass holders. The committee noted that ENCTS journeys increased by 7.8% and customer research indicated significant benefits for older and disabled customers.
-
Bee Network Performance
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee decided to note the performance of the Bee Network on 29/10/2026. A follow-up report on Vision Zero developments will be prepared for the Committee.
-
Date of Next Meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council decided that the next meeting of the Committee will take place on Thursday 26th November 2026.
-
Minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council approved the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2026 on 29 October 2026. The committee also noted updates on appointments and the terms of reference.
-
Chair's Announcements and Urgent Business
Recommendations ApprovedBee Network Committee noted that Cllr Tom Ross was appointed as the GMCA representative on the Bee Network Committee, with Cllr Garry Bridges acting as the substitute, on 25th September 2026.
-
Strategic Rail Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved recommendations on 29/10/2026. The committee noted progress in integrating local rail services into the Bee Network, welcomed customer benefits being delivered, and supported continued joint working with government and rail industry partners. The committee also noted progress on national rail reform and supported engagement to secure a partnership with Great British Railways.
-
Declarations of Interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Council approved recommendations on 29/10/2026. Councillor Grace Baynham declared her husband is an employee of Network Rail in reference to agenda item 6. Councillor Jacqueline Owen made a general declaration that her daughter is an employee of Transport for Greater Manchester.
-
Free Bus Travel for 11-16 Year Olds
Recommendations ApprovedThe Bee Network Committee endorsed the introduction of free bus travel for eligible 11 to 16-year-olds on Bee Network bus services from January 2027. This decision was made on 29/10/2026. The committee noted that the scheme requires a Mayoral decision to vary the Greater Manchester Local Concessionary Fares Scheme and that a further report will detail capacity and safety preparations.
Topics
Meeting Documents
Agenda
Additional Documents