With the Greater Manchester Bee Network due to go live imminently, MALCOM COWTAN evaluates the town’s current bus market and its history
The town of Wigan, together with neighbouring Bolton, is to see the first franchised bus services under Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) new Bee Network. The franchised services are due to begin on September 24, following the award which was made on December 23, 2022. Wigan, with a population of more than 100,000, lies roughly equidistant between Manchester and Liverpool.
Go North West and Diamond win the service bus contracts
Tendering is being carried out in three tranches. The first tranche, announced in December 2022, covers Wigan and Bolton. Tranche two, announced on June 23 this year, encompasses north Manchester, Oldham and Middleton, and the final tranche will be for south Manchester, Tameside, and Stockport.
Most contracts are for five years, extendable to seven at the discretion of TfGM. Some contracts are only for three years. There are no reviews specified, as has been the case with some rail franchises. There are though performance indicators, with penalties for noncompliance. Punctuality is a key PI, but it might be difficult to judge t…
