Manchester’s Bee Network (created by Andy Burnham)

With Andy Burnham in the news at present, let’s look at his Bee Network, the public transport system he has created in his 10 years as Mayor of Manchester, before he likely returns to becoming an MP and possibly Prime Minister. This is not a political site (Labour at present is building homes on wildlife sites).

Andy does appear to truly care about communities (read the book he co-authored with Liverpool mayor Steve Rotherma – Head North – a 10-point manifesto to fix Britain). And in a campaign launch, he was bigging up building more homes on empty brownfield land (not destroying wildlife) and even suggesting fair voting, which would bring in more MPs from minority parties (like Greens and Lib Dems).

And some Greens have even suggesting not standing a candidate at the by-election, as he might well be our last chance of finishing off ‘poisonous politics’ for good, and ending the main party systems.

What is Bee Network?

Manchester’s Bee Network has basically brought the city’s buses back under public control, making them cheaper and faster and more efficient. By taking all the profit out. Now locals can zoom around the city, transfer easily from bus to tram, and still it’s’ affordable (not unlike Portland’s Trimet in Oregon, one of the world’s best public transit systems).

There is also a plan to bring eight rail networks under this system by 2030 (if Andy becomes an MP, this obviously depends on who is elected as Mayor if he departs the post).

At present, you can make 5.6 million journeys on the trains, trams and buses each day, all joined up as a world-class public transport system. This of course takes way more cars off the road, reduces stress, road rage, petrol pollution and is safer for pedestrians, pets and wildlife, all of whom are negatively affected by too much road transport.

Why is it called the Bee Network?

Since 1842, the iconic worker bee has been the symbol of Manchester, where England’s industrial revolution started. All vehicles and stations feature a bright yellow and black livery, so you can’t miss them.

The Bee Network has been so successful than many people have left their cars at home, and now there are 24-hour bus routes and many electric (zero-emission) buses.

What does Reform UK think of the Bee Network?

Considering if Andy Burnham becomes an MP, the mayor contest will be between Labour and Reform UK, what would the latter do if elected?

It’s not clear. But what it has said is that it would like Bolton to be taken out of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and revert back to being part of Lancashire county council.

This would mean that locals in Bolton would no longer have access to the Bee Network. Which forms an important part of integrated ticketing and subsidised concessionary travel for local pensioners, who wish to travel around the Manchester area, without a car.