The Bee Network, a publicly-run bus system in Greater Manchester, has faced criticism following its recent launch in the south of the region. Launched in January, the network has been plagued with issues, particularly affecting the 203 bus service. Despite being operated by private companies, the Bee Network's fares, timetables, and routes are set by the mayor. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has publicly apologized to those impacted by the service's shortcomings.
The 203 bus service, previously operated by Stagecoach, runs between Stockport, Reddish, Debdale Park, and Piccadilly Gardens. Since the introduction of the Bee Network, several parents have reported that this service has been inconsistent, often arriving late or failing to show. Kimberley Rhodes, a mother who relied on the 203 service to get her children to school, described the situation as "absolutely horrific."
"It's been absolutely horrific since the Bee Network was launched." – Kimberley Rhodes
Rhodes lamented the changes brought by the new system, pointing out that under Stagecoach's operation, buses were punctual and reliable.
"Everything was great with Stagecoach. The buses always turned up." – Kimberley Rhodes
Stephanie Conwell, another affected parent, uses the 203 bus to transport her son to Abbingdon Primary School in Reddish. Due to the unreliable service, some users like Rhodes have resorted to using taxis, incurring additional costs of up to £20 a week.
The Bee Network has now expanded across Greater Manchester. However, its initial implementation in the south has raised concerns about service quality. In response to these issues, Mayor Andy Burnham admitted that the performance of the 203 service has not met expectations.
"I'd like to apologise to those mums – and others – who've been affected by this service. It's not been good enough." – Andy Burnham
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) also issued an apology for the delays experienced on the 203 route, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to students, parents, and other commuters.
"We are sorry for the delays on the 203 and the impact this had on pupils, parents and other bus users." – Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)
Despite these challenges, Mayor Burnham expressed optimism about the overall performance of bus services in the region. He stated that services in the south of Greater Manchester are already comparable to or better than previous offerings.
"Overall, bus services in the south of Greater Manchester are already as good as – if not better – than the ones they replaced." – Andy Burnham
