Industry
UK Bus Industry
Customer story
Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) move to bus franchising marked a major step toward delivering integrated, passenger-focused mobility.
Achievements
By regaining control of routes, fares, and service standards, TfGM is reshaping public transport to be more reliable, connected, and affordable for communities across Greater Manchester.
Technology deployed
Automated Fare Collection
Bee Network’s vision for franchised mobility
TfGM’s franchising strategy prioritised seamless journeys, multi-modal integration, and a common standard for passenger experience. By sourcing best-in-class solutions from specialist vendors, and linking them with open standards, Greater Manchester succeeded in creating a cohesive, user-first transport system.
The challenge
After decades of commercial, operator-led services, Greater Manchester opted to roll-out a fully franchised Bee Network. To bring together transport modes into a unified fare system, TfGM needed a robust, scalable ticketing platform.
Integration and flexibility were essential, as the Bee Network aimed to:
- Transition 1,600 buses and 577 routes into local control in a phased project
- Ensure interoperability across the bus and tram networks
- Create a foundation for data-driven planning and flexible expansion
The solution
Vix Technology supplied a ticketing back office to be a part of a modular solution, integrating with ETM devices and a mobile app.
Vix brought technology and expertise:
- Open architecture: enabling integration with third-party technology (validators, ETMs, mobile apps), and maximising potential for system evolution.
- Centralised fare engine: providing daily and weekly capping across bus and tram, making it simple for passengers to enjoy automatic best value fares.
- Project management expertise: making a phased roll-out look easy to manage – three phases were delivered on time, on budget, with minimal impact.
- Support and maintenance: providing peace of mind that ongoing configuration, monitoring and system aftercare is in safe and experienced hands.
The results
TfGM’s approach set a new standard for a franchised network outside London. Key choices were pivotal, like opting for a modular system, choosing specialist vendors for different components, and insisting on open standards to enable integration.
In addition, the decision to roll-out in three distinct phases safeguarded operational stability, minimising the impact of technology transformation on passengers. Riders approve, and the Bee Network is enjoying cost-savings as a result:
- Ridership: >58 million journeys, reversing previous declines and supporting modal shift.
- Satisfaction: High satisfaction rates for fares and ticketing simplicity.
- Operational efficiency: Centralised systems cut costs and improved monitoring.
Vix Technology’s partnership played a key role in this evolution. Our ticketing system is the foundation for the Bee Network’s groundbreaking Tap and Go scheme. We’re paving the way for future innovation, highlighting how the right technology decisions empower local authorities to improve bus travel, connect multimodal journeys and put passenger needs at the centre of transport transformation.
Aaron Ross, CEO of Vix and Kuba, says:
"It’s been incredibly rewarding to partner with TfGM in transforming the way Greater Manchester travels. We’ve helped deliver a seamless, stress-free travel experience that’s redefining regional transport standards in the UK.
Manchester is now a beacon for inclusive, accessible, and affordable mobility, and we’re excited to help other public sector partners achieve similar success and set new benchmarks for their communities.”
Learn more
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For a more detailed look at Manchester's route to franchising - and insight into the technology franchised networks need, take a look at our white paper: 'Unlock the potential of bus franchising: a technology roadmap for local transport authorities'.
Download our white paper:
