WIGAN IN THE FRANCHISING FIRST WAVE

With the Greater Manchester Bee Network due to go live imminently, MALCOM COWTAN evaluates the town’s current bus market and its history

Wright bodied Volvo B7RLE YJ09FWY, new to First West Yorkshire is branded for GNW’s Driver Academy learner fleet at Queens Road depot, awaiting the formal launch at the end of April.
MALCOLM COWTAN

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.

Want to read more?

This is a premium article and requires an active subscription.

Existing subscriber? Sign in now

No subscription?

Pick one of our introductory offers