Manchester launches all-night bus service for night workers

Manchester launches all-night bus service for night workers
Credit: BBC

Great Manchester (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A new all-night bus service running seven days a week has been defined as a “game-changer” for Manchester.

What Routes Are Covered by the New All-Night Bus Service?

Launching overnight, the year-long pilot project covers two of Greater Manchester’s busiest bus lanes between Leigh and Bolton and the city centre, via Salford. Manchester’s nightlife ruler Sacha Lord expressed a 24-hour bus service was the “most exciting” action for the night-time economy since he was appointed in 2018.

How Will the 24-Hour Bus Service Impact Shift Workers?

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham expressed the service would provide a “lifeline” for shift workers – including healthcare, hospitality and distribution centre attendants – among the 135,000 people who benefited from the two routes. The V1 and 36 services will now operate at least every hour in each movement every day including most bank holidays – and utilise the same capped £2 single fare introduced in 2022.

What Role Does Manchester’s Bee Network Play in This Initiative?

The service is characteristic of Manchester’s Bee Network, which has taken nearly half of Greater Manchester’s bus highways under public control since September 2023. Mr Lord, who was designated night-time economy adviser by Mr Burnham, expressed that all-night buses were the “very first” recommendation he made. “I stated ‘Look, we’ve always called ourselves 24-hour party people, our transport stops before midnight, we need 24-hour transport’,” he declared. Safety on the routes has also been a critical focus for city officials.

How Are City Officials Ensuring Safety on All-Night Buses?

Vernon Everitt, the transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, expressed that some TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers will be designated to deliver reassurance and visibility. When questioned about the affordability of the new pilot, Mr Everitt stated bringing the services under public control had been “critical”. “If you glance at it just through the profit and loss account of the public transport operators, then maybe you wouldn’t do it”, he stated. “But because we’ve got broader objectives about sustainability, about enabling people to move around at an affordable price, we’re able to do this.”

Massimiliano  Verde

Massimiliano Verde is a journalist at Parliament News, He is covering Society and Culture News. Boasting a Master's Degree in Political Science, stands as a prominent figure in the Italian cultural landscape. His presidency of the Neapolitan Academy, a scientifically and sociolinguistically renowned group, attests to his relentless dedication to safeguarding and promoting Neapolitan language and culture. His activism and profound expertise have propelled him into the role of interlocutor for UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a prestigious acknowledgment highlighting the significance of his efforts in preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of our planet.

Verde's fervent passion for the history and culture of Southern Italy has driven him to immerse himself in research, resulting in numerous essays and articles that delve into the peculiarities and beauties of the region. His commitment extends beyond academia, manifesting in ongoing dissemination activities aimed at acquainting the general public with the rich cultural heritage of the South. His endeavors transcend national boundaries, as evidenced by his participation in international conferences and collaboration with various foreign institutions, rendering him an ambassador of Southern culture on the global stage and fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.