We’re getting ready to join the Bee Network in Greater Manchester!
From Sunday 24 March 2024, First Manchester will operate services in Rochdale and Bury as part of the phase two rollout of franchised bus services by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
We’ll also be delivering services to six schools in the region. These are: St Monica’s High School in Prestwich, Co-op Academy and Co-op Academy North in Blackley, St Cuthbert’s School in Rochdale, Waterhead Academy in Oldham and St Matthew RC High School in Moston. There will be no changes to the service numbers of buses used on the routes.
Our absolute priority will be to deliver a reliable service in partnership with TfGM with a best-in-class, customer-first approach to support journeys.
Our depot operations
Buses in the distinctive Bee Network yellow livery will operate from our Rochdale depot on Corporation Road, where we are investing £750,000 with a focus on enhanced engineering facilities, including a new double height workshop bay for vehicle repair and maintenance. The yard area will also be improved to provide better space for operations.
The depot will manage more than 30 routes in the Rochdale and Bury area together with six school services using a fleet of over 60 buses and capacity to expand this to 90 vehicles.
%20Bee%20Network%20_0.jpg)
Join us
We are now recruiting for drivers and engineers to join our depot and have up to 50 vacancies available. Be part of the team at the beginning of a new era in bus services in Rochdale, Bury and the surrounding area.
We offer excellent pay and benefits and access to a choice of other rewards. For further details and to apply today visit First Bus Careers
Useful information
As we approach the start of Bee Network services from Sunday 24 March, there will be further information added to this page. This will include help and guidance for customers about purchasing tickets for the Bee Network and the process for using pre-paid tickets bought for services currently run by First Manchester or other operators.
Service 590 Halifax – Todmorden – Rochdale
Please note this service into Greater Manchester will not be part of the Bee Network as it is operated from the First Bus depot in Halifax and will continue as normal. The timetable can be viewed here
Further details about the Bee Network can be found by visiting the TfGM website here