As Emily Armstrong waited to board the 126 bus to her home in Leigh, a town outside Manchester in northwest England, she reflected on the improvements in the bus service. “It’s definitely got a lot better with more frequent buses,” remarked Ms. Armstrong, 19, while at the Trafford Center, a mall near Manchester.
Armstrong appreciated the discounted travel options for those aged 18-21. Additionally, passengers aged 16-18 can enjoy free travel on many services. She also valued the ease of paying via card or phone instead of a paper ticket, noting, “You don’t even have to speak to the driver anymore.”
These changes are part of the Bee Network, which was launched in 2023 in Greater Manchester. The tightly regulated public transit system covers the city and surrounding areas. Andy Burnham, who served as mayor for nine years until recently, prioritized improving bus travel. His efforts have made public transit a key policy initiative, gaining popularity among voters and serving as a model for other regions.
In the United States, Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigned on making bus travel in New York City free for all riders. Progress has been slow, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, responsible for the subway and buses, opposes the initiative. However, the City Council recently expanded the discounted transit program for low-income residents, showing incremental progress.
The improvements in Greater Manchester’s public transit have drawn interest from local politicians looking to enhance urban living. The success of the Bee Network showcases how strategic transit reform can directly impact residents’ lives and influence positive voter sentiment.