Bee Network

[Blue Llama]

Although the Bee network is referred to in other threads I don't think it has one of its own.
Not sure if it's my natural cynicism or my belief that Mayor Burnham is good at talking the talk but never does the walk so exactly how is the Bee Network going to improve transport in GM? The buses still belong to the same companies as they did before, who presumably would have run more buses if it was feasible? It would be good if posters could comment on their experiences post Bee Network. In some areas it's been running 7 months.
These are the benefits claimed -

• A range of affordable, flexible tickets to use on any bus, or any bus and tram. Who sets the definition of "affordable"?
• New Bee Network app and website. So far its rubbish
• New Bee Network Customer Contact Centre. How does that help when most people don't bother with these after the first frustrating "Your call is important to us" "You are 16th in the queue"
• More buses running more often on many Bee Network routes. Let us know if you see any extra buses, trams etc.
• 50 new zero-emission electric buses on Bee Network routes. Probably doing this anyway.
• Earlier and later Bee Network buses to link up with first and last trams and trains. I won't hold my breath apart from routes like the 192.
• More TravelSafe Officers on the transport network. On every bus? I don't think so.

 

[Gray]

Andy Burnham is all talk.

 

[mexico1970]

Although the Bee network is referred to in other threads I don't think it has one of its own.
Not sure if it's my natural cynicism or my belief that Mayor Burnham is good at talking the talk but never does the walk so exactly how is the Bee Network going to improve transport in GM? The buses still belong to the same companies as they did before, who presumably would have run more buses if it was feasible? It would be good if posters could comment on their experiences post Bee Network. In some areas it's been running 7 months.
These are the benefits claimed -

• A range of affordable, flexible tickets to use on any bus, or any bus and tram. Who sets the definition of "affordable"?
• New Bee Network app and website. So far its rubbish
• New Bee Network Customer Contact Centre. How does that help when most people don't bother with these after the first frustrating "Your call is important to us" "You are 16th in the queue"
• More buses running more often on many Bee Network routes. Let us know if you see any extra buses, trams etc.
• 50 new zero-emission electric buses on Bee Network routes. Probably doing this anyway.
• Earlier and later Bee Network buses to link up with first and last trams and trains. I won't hold my breath apart from routes like the 192.
• More TravelSafe Officers on the transport network. On every bus? I don't think so.

Slogans and soundbites go hand in hand with lies where politicians are concerned.

 

[normskih]

Although the Bee network is referred to in other threads I don't think it has one of its own.
Not sure if it's my natural cynicism or my belief that Mayor Burnham is good at talking the talk but never does the walk so exactly how is the Bee Network going to improve transport in GM? The buses still belong to the same companies as they did before, who presumably would have run more buses if it was feasible? It would be good if posters could comment on their experiences post Bee Network. In some areas it's been running 7 months.
These are the benefits claimed -

• A range of affordable, flexible tickets to use on any bus, or any bus and tram. Who sets the definition of "affordable"?
• New Bee Network app and website. So far its rubbish
• New Bee Network Customer Contact Centre. How does that help when most people don't bother with these after the first frustrating "Your call is important to us" "You are 16th in the queue"
• More buses running more often on many Bee Network routes. Let us know if you see any extra buses, trams etc.
• 50 new zero-emission electric buses on Bee Network routes. Probably doing this anyway.
• Earlier and later Bee Network buses to link up with first and last trams and trains. I won't hold my breath apart from routes like the 192.
• More TravelSafe Officers on the transport network. On every bus? I don't think so.

I agree with you about the website, it’s terrible and I have filled out the side panel to let them know.
I have used the phone system a couple of times and this is to book Ring & Ride as this is a useful form of transportation to get to and from hospitals or any appointments with a wheelchair bound person (my sister) as I have experience of waiting for a ambulance (as transport) once and never, ever again. The telephone system I used wasn’t too bad.
I live in Wythenshawe. Haven’t seen a Bee Network bus as yet.
So, like you, don’t think anything has changed.

 

[MCFC Wirral]

Is there now one single ticket to buy to cover bus journeys all day? When I went from South Manchester to North, I had to get Stagecoach then First tickets as opposed to just one. Sometimes there’d be Magic, Finglands etc. Terrible for a big city.

 

[trueblue1972]

Is there now one single ticket to buy to cover bus journeys all day? When I went from South Manchester to North, I had to get Stagecoach then First tickets as opposed to just one. Sometimes there’d be Magic, Finglands etc. Terrible for a big city.

Yes £5 daily

 

[MCFC Wirral]

Yes £5 daily

That’s a nice price.

 

[Blue Llama]

Is there now one single ticket to buy to cover bus journeys all day? When I went from South Manchester to North, I had to get Stagecoach then First tickets as opposed to just one. Sometimes there’d be Magic, Finglands etc. Terrible for a big city.

Sorry cannot help with this as have a bus pass, which is great. I would have thought that a single ticket would also work very well but will we see one that doesn't have a load of exceptions added to it?

 

[Blue Llama]

Yes £5 daily

Does that cover bus and tram?

 

[MCFC Wirral]

Sorry cannot help with this as have a bus pass, which is great. I would have thought that a single ticket would also work very well but will we see one that doesn't have a load of exceptions added to it?

In comparison, I used Oyster in London which was capped per day and valid on tube, trains and buses.

Merseyrail is pretty poor. Ten journeys per week doesn’t pay for my weekly pass but twelve saves me about £1.20. I buy one to avoid queuing for tickets daily as there’s no machine.