Bee network

What Bee network does

The Bee Network is an integrated public transport system operated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), a public sector body serving as the transport delivery arm of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The brand, launched in 2023, unifies previously fragmented transport modes — buses (operated by partners including First Bus, Go North West, Stagecoach and Diamond), Metrolink trams (the UK's largest light rail network, with 99 stops, wholly owned by TfGM), rail services, and active travel infrastructure (cycling and walking routes) — under one customer-facing identity spanning all ten Greater Manchester district areas.

The core technology stack combines physical infrastructure (99 Metrolink stops, 3,800+ CCTV cameras, 15 information and ticket offices, 161km of completed segregated walking/wheeling/cycling routes, 1,000+ bikes in the Starling Bikes hire scheme with ~50% electric) with digital services including the Bee Network mobile app, contactless tap-and-go payment across bus and tram, real-time travel information, and a journey planner. TfGM has a partnership with Beryl to operate the bike hire scheme and with Starling Bank for naming rights and sponsorship. Accessibility services include Travel Training, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, "Please Offer Me a Seat" badges, concessionary passes (ENCTS, igo, Our Pass), and travel vouchers for disabled passengers offering 75% discount on taxi and community transport.

TfGM is funded primarily by the GMCA and national government (subscription/recurring), with additional revenue from public transport fares (contactless, smart cards, mobile app), advertising on Metrolink vehicles, bus stations, interchanges, digital screens and tfgm.com, and commercial/supplier contracts (in 2024/2025 TfGM spent £423 million on goods, works and services across 684+ suppliers). Pricing is usage-based and concessionary: contactless and mobile payments at standard fares, bike hire at 50p unlock + 5p/min (standard) and £1 + 10p/min (e-bike), with minute bundles of £5–£40, and discounted travel vouchers at 25% of normal cost for disabled passengers. The customer base is heavily distributed across all Greater Manchester residents and visitors, with over 246 million public transport journeys per year and 700 million active travel trips recorded in 2025.

Name

Bee network

Legal name

Transport for Greater Manchester

Website

https://tfgm.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Bee Network, operated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), is an integrated public transport system unifying buses, Metrolink trams, rail, and active travel across Greater Manchester's ten districts, serving over 246 million passenger journeys annually with contactless payment, a mobile app, and concessionary fares.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Transportation Services

NAICS

Mixed Mode Transit Systems (485111), Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Commuter Rail Systems (485112), Urban Transit Systems (4851)

SIC

Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100), Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Commuter Rail Operators (Government/Authority-Run) (THAIACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Traffic Management & Intelligent Transportation Systems (Signals, TMCs, Congestion) (BPAIALAC), Electric Bus Network Operators (THAIAEAE), Station-Based Bike Rentals (Bikeshare) (THADAGAD)

Keywords

• Public transport services
• Integrated transit network
• Light rail operations
• Bus transit services
• Active travel infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Wienau

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Transport Fares: Revenue from ticket sales, contactless payments, and travel passes across bus, tram, and rail services within Greater Manchester
2. Advertising on TfGM Services: Revenue from advertisements appearing on Metrolink vehicles/stops, bus stations, interchanges, digital screens, and tfgm.com
3. Government Funding: Core funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and national government for transport operations and infrastructure development including Bee Network delivery
4. Commercial Activities: Commercial partnerships, sponsorships, transport-related consultancy, and procurement activities. In 2024/2025, £423 million spent on goods, works and services from over 684 suppliers

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Bee Network is the integrated multi-modal public transport brand for Greater Manchester, operated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It unifies buses, the Metrolink tram network, rail services, cycling infrastructure (including bike hire), and walking routes under a single branded network with contactless ticketing, a journey-planning app, and concessionary fares for eligible groups.

Product overview

The Bee Network is Greater Manchester's integrated transport system, operated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), bringing together buses (multiple operators), Metrolink trams, trains, and active travel (cycling and walking) into a single connected network. The core offering includes the physical transport infrastructure (Metrolink light rail, bus services, rail stations, interchanges) alongside digital services including the Bee Network app, contactless payment, journey planning, and real-time travel information. Key products and services include Starling Bikes (bike hire with over 1,000 bikes including e-bikes), TravelSafe (security monitoring via 3,800+ CCTV cameras and LiveChat), concessionary travel passes, accessibility services (Travel Training, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Please Offer Me a Seat badges), and School Streets programmes. The network serves all 10 Greater Manchester districts and prioritises accessibility, sustainability, and integration across transport modes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Starling Bikes: Bike hire scheme operated by Beryl on behalf of the Bee Network, with over 1,000 bikes for hire including electric bikes
• Metrolink
• TravelSafe
• Active Travel

Products and services

• Bee Network (Integrated Transport Network) Unified multi-modal transport brand for Greater Manchester residents and visitors, providing joined-up bus, tram, train, cycling and walking services under one customer-facing identity with integrated ticketing.
• Metrolink Tram Service Light rail/tram network owned and operated by TfGM across Greater Manchester with 99 stops, the UK's largest light rail system, providing tram-based passenger services with CCTV and emergency call points.
• Bus Services Bee Network-branded bus services operated across Greater Manchester through partnerships with multiple carriers including First Bus, Go North West, Stagecoach and Diamond.
• Starling Bikes Hire Scheme Self-service bike hire scheme (operated by Beryl) offering both standard pedal bikes (50p unlock, 5p per minute) and e-bikes (£1 unlock, 10p per minute), currently operating in Manchester, Trafford and Salford with over 1,000 bikes.
• TravelSafe Partnership Service Partnership-based safety and security service for Greater Manchester transport, providing 24/7 CCTV monitoring of more than 3,800 cameras across bus stations, interchanges, tram stops and rail stations, plus over 15,000 patrol hours per week.
• TravelSafe LiveChat Digital reporting service allowing passengers on bus and tram networks to discreetly report incidents to live Greater Manchester Police call handlers from a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
• Contactless Tap and Go Payment Contactless payment service accepting contactless cards, phones and smart watches on Bee Network buses and trams, with automatic fare calculation across modes.
• Journey Planner Online journey planning tool available via tfgm.com and the Bee Network app, providing multi-modal route planning across bus, tram, train, cycling and walking in Greater Manchester.
• Concessionary Travel Passes Concessionary fare products including English National Concessionary Travel Scheme passes for older and disabled passengers, igo cards for young people, and Our Pass for Greater Manchester youth, providing free or discounted travel.
• Travel Vouchers for Disabled Passengers Discounted travel vouchers for registered blind individuals and those with mobility impairments offering up to 75% discount (purchase £20 of vouchers for £5, capped at £120 per year) redeemable at taxis, private hire vehicles and community transport across Greater Manchester.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12% increase in people using Greater Manchester buses following low fares introduction
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Starling BankflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerStarling Bank is the first sponsor of the Greater Manchester bike hire scheme (Starling Bikes), providing naming rights and brand association with the bike share program. The partnership includes rebranded bikes, stands, and app integration.
• BerylcoreTechnology or IntegrationBeryl manages the day-to-day operation of Greater Manchester's bike hire scheme on behalf of the Bee Network. They are an experienced bike-share company operating schemes in London, Watford, Bournemouth, Norwich, and Hereford.
• SustranscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustrans is working with TfGM on the Active Neighbourhoods project across 10 districts in Greater Manchester, leading a four-stage community engagement program with local residents, schools, and businesses.
• British CyclingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBritain's governing body for cycling involved with all levels of cycling participation. Their grassroots campaign 'Let's Ride' promotes groups, events, routes, campaigns, and training. British Cycling headquarters are in Openshaw, Manchester.
• Living StreetsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK charity for everyday walking working with schools, workplaces and communities to make walking the natural choice for everyday local journeys.
• Cycling UKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity aiming to make cycling more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, helping establish and grow community cycling projects, and providing expert advice, training and courses.
• Wheels for AllminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity making cycling accessible to all people with at least one centre in each Greater Manchester district running regular drop-in sessions with adapted bikes and volunteer support.
• WalkRideGMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCampaign and volunteer organization working to make active travel the natural choice for journeys across Greater Manchester with subgroups in each of the 10 districts working with Local Councils.
• The RamblersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNation-wide charity promoting walking for leisure, helping get people outside and active, improving land access rights, and preserving footpaths and rights of way.
• Canal and River TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGuardians of England's canals and rivers working to preserve and enhance these spaces for nature and people to enjoy. Many freely accessible walking, cycling and wheeling routes available.
• GroundworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization making communities greener, safer and healthier by enabling and empowering local people and community groups with projects freely accessible by anyone.
• GM MovingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShared ambition to make moving more a natural part of everyday life for all in Greater Manchester through physical activity and sport, inspiring people to move more.
• GM Walking VoiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollective of organizations promoting walking, bringing together likeminded organizations and acting as a unified voice to advance walking on decision makers' agenda.
• CIVITAS HandshakeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU-funded project helping cities turn cycling into everyday transport. Greater Manchester is a 'Future Cycling Capital' mentored by Copenhagen, sharing expertise and proven cycling solutions.
• Greater Manchester Police (GMP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in TravelSafe Partnership providing police presence, LiveChat reporting service, and 24/7 security monitoring across the transport network. GMP call handlers respond to incidents reported via TravelSafe LiveChat.
• British Transport Police (BTP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolice force responsible for rail and tram security, available at rail stations and on Metrolink through 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.
• TravelSafe Partnership MemberscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership including Bee Network, Metrolink, GMCA, Beryl, Arrive, Foundation 92, First Bus, Go North West, Stagecoach, and Diamond working together to support safe and secure transport.
• Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent authority for TfGM, setting strategic direction for Greater Manchester transport through the Bee Network Committee (BNC). TfGM is the transport delivery arm for GMCA.
• Breakthrough UKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisabled people's organization coordinating the Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) advisory group for TfGM accessibility initiatives.
• Starling Bank (E-bike Sponsor)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner300 new e-bikes added to Starling Bank Bike hire scheme with lighter weight, integrated battery in frame, and larger front basket for user belongings.
• National HighwaysminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner working with TfGM and the ten local authorities to keep roads safe and tackle congestion across Greater Manchester.
• Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness-led organizations formed when local businesses vote to invest together to improve their local environment. TfGM sits on multiple BIDs across Greater Manchester.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Transport for West Midlands: West Midlands Combined Authority's transport delivery body, operating the West Midlands Metro tram, Sprint BRT, and the Swift integrated smartcard. Closest comparable to Bee Network in scale, governance structure and integrated bus/tram/rail remit outside London.
• Transport for Wales: Welsh Government-owned transport authority running the Wales and Borders rail franchise, TrawsCymru bus network and integrated ticketing. A directly comparable devolved transport authority with similar multi-modal remit.
• Nexus: Tyne and Wear's passenger transport executive, running the Tyne and Wear Metro, local bus services, ferry, and the Pop card smart ticketing. Directly comparable as a regional UK integrated transport authority.
• Merseytravel: Liverpool City Region's transport body, responsible for Merseyrail, Mersey Ferries, and integrated ticketing. Comparable in being a sub-national UK transport authority with multi-modal coordination responsibilities.
• Strathclyde Partnership for Transport: Glasgow's regional transport partnership operating the Glasgow Subway, bus services and active travel infrastructure. Comparable as a Scottish regional transport authority with metro and bus integration responsibilities.

Others

• Sustrans: UK walking and cycling charity that designs and manages the National Cycle Network and is TfGM's strategic delivery partner on the Active Neighbourhoods project across Greater Manchester. Adjacent enabler of the Bee Network's active travel programme.

Emerging players

• Beryl: UK bike-share operator running the Starling Bikes scheme in Greater Manchester on behalf of Bee Network, plus schemes in London, Watford, Bournemouth, Norwich and Hereford. A direct operator of a Bee Network sub-product and a peer in the UK docked bike-share market.

Broad incumbents

• Transport for London: The UK's flagship integrated transport authority, operating Tube, buses, Overground, trams (Tramlink), DLR, Emirates Air Line, taxis, cycle hire (Santander Cycles) and active travel. The conceptual model Bee Network explicitly references as its 'London-style joined-up' template.
• Network Rail: Owns and operates the majority of Britain's rail infrastructure, including Greater Manchester's rail stations that feed into the Bee Network. Comparable as a UK rail infrastructure manager but with a national, not regional, remit.
• Lime: Global micromobility operator with e-bike and e-scooter hire in multiple UK cities. Comparable as a micromobility operator in the same category as Starling Bikes, though operating a free-floating rather than station-based model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/beenetwork
• Facebookfacebook.com/beenetwork.eu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bee-networks

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bee network