The new service is set to launch later this week
Bee Network buses
A new 24-hour pilot bus service between Rochdale and Manchester will launch this week.
The 17 bus will run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays connecting communities in Rochdale, Castleton and Middleton with Manchester city centre. Currently, the last journey on the service 17 leaves Manchester at 11.42pm and Rochdale at 12.34am, before starting again at around 4am.
The renewed service will run through the night in both directions between Shudehill along Rochdale Road and Manchester Road to Rochdale.
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As a result, revellers enjoying nights out in the city centre and Rochdale, show goers at Middleton Arena, or shift workers at locations such as Rochdale Infirmary will be able to get home safely.
The bus will run all night, with services at 34 minutes past the hour from Rochdale and 42 minutes past the hour from Manchester.
Andy Burnham poses in front of a night bus(Image: Copyright Unknown)
Plans for the new route were announced by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham in July as part of the launch of the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS) – the city region’s vision for the next decade to grow the local economy and ensure everyone can live well.
The GMS pledges to continue to develop the Bee Network as a transport system for a global city region, so that by 2030, 90 per cent of the population live within 400m of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes. Transport bosses say night buses will play a key role in this.
Coun Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We have long lobbied for better transport connections in this part of the borough, with long term aspirations to bring the Metrolink to Middleton and Heywood.
Andy Burnham, Arooj Shah and Neil Emmott (right) at the launch event of Oldham’s Bee Network roll out on 25 March. (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
“For many people in our borough, buses are their main means of getting around, so we need services which work for them.
“Currently, if you want to enjoy an evening out or work outside daytime hours, you have very few options where public transport is concerned. This change is a step in the right direction and I really welcome it.”
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Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, added: “We are continuing to develop the Bee Network so that it serves the needs of local communities and businesses across Greater Manchester.
“The new 17 night bus services will open up better access to local venues in and around Rochdale as well as central Manchester via Castleton and will help people working late to get to their jobs and safely back home again, and all for a £2 fare.”