The first new bus service in Greater Manchester to be introduced by the Bee Network launched this week, connecting passengers to a popular shopping destination in the lead-up to Christmas.
People living in Wigan can now board the 615, connecting the town and surrounding areas with Middlebrook retail park. The service restores a link that was lost four years ago before buses in the area were taken back under local control as part of the Bee Network.
There will also be twice as many 132 buses running between Wigan and the Trafford Centre, with the introduction of a half-hourly service to the popular shopping centre instead of just once an hour.
Both of these improvements have been made possible through bus franchising, which is putting control of the bus network back in the hands of local decision-makers and communities and helping deliver the Bee Network – Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated ‘London style’ transport system.
Among the first passengers to try out the new service on Monday was Maxson Goh, who said: “I’m sure for the people who work at Middlebrook retail park and live in Wigan, this could definitely be a very attractive option for them.”
Speaking at Wigan Bus Station, Lewis Hall described the new bus link connecting Wigan town centre with Middlebrook and further afield as a “fantastic opportunity” while Edith Bennison welcomed the new service, adding that prior to the 615, the only way to travel to the retail park was by car.
Further improvements have also been made to services across the locally-run network with the 36, 37 and 471 service seeing improved performance thanks to more efficient charging and scheduling of zero emission electric buses running on the routes. From 17th November more buses will be run on the 59, 83 and 84 to improve punctuality and reliability on those routes.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “This is a great moment for the Bee Network and the people of Wigan, who are the first in our city-region to get a new, bespoke bus service thanks to our pioneering move to take back control of the network.
“With new and enhanced services connecting Wigan with the Trafford Centre and Middlebrook we are boosting access to jobs, retail and leisure opportunities. With capped bus fares people can also ensure they’re getting the best value for money when they’re travelling to work, the shops or to meet up with friends and family – which is especially welcome in the lead-up to Christmas.
“This is yet another demonstration of how moving to a locally controlled and more accountable bus network is delivering huge improvements for our communities, and there is so much more we want to do to unlock more opportunities for people across Greater Manchester.
“I’d encourage everyone to get onboard the new 615 and the enhanced 132 and enjoy our cleaner, cheaper and more reliable bus service.”
Before buses came back under local control, services were provided on a commercial basis by bus companies, with operators deciding on routes, frequencies, timetables, fares and quality standards.
Since the launch of the first franchised Bee Network services in Wigan, Bolton, parts of Bury, Manchester and Salford, in September 2023, passengers have enjoyed cheaper, cleaner and more reliable services.
Routes are also being reviewed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to ensure residents have the best possible access to opportunities and jobs across the city-region.
Franchising has enabled Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to review service performance in detail and, importantly, respond to ensure they meet the Bee Network’s customer commitments.
Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “It is great to see these improvements to our bus services, with the Bee Network back under local control. Wigan borough was one of the first places in Greater Manchester to get Bee Network buses, and last month saw the V1 start trialling a 24-hour service between Leigh and Manchester Royal Infirmary.
“With the new 615 service restoring a previously scrapped route and more buses running from our borough to the Trafford Centre, these first 12 months have seen some great improvements in our local network.”
Passengers are encouraged to check any changes to their normal service by visiting a Travelshop or checking the Bee Network app or website. Information will also be updated on bus stops.
