First Bus in Manchester has been awarded franchise contracts to operate services for six schools in the evolving Bee Network being introduced across the region.
The operator will begin running the routes from March 2024 as part of the phase two rollout of franchised bus services by Transport for Greater Manchester.
First Bus will be responsible for services to St Monica’s High School in Prestwich, two schools in the Co-op Academy North Manchester, 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.
These contracts build on the award of franchises for general bus services in Rochdale which First Bus will also start operating next March.
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus in Manchester, said: “First Bus is delighted to be awarded these franchise contracts for school services in Greater Manchester.
“We look forward to working with the Mayor and Transport for Greater Manchester in building the Bee Network and are thrilled to be serving new communities in the region.
“Our absolute priority will be to deliver a reliable service in partnership with TfGM with a best-in-class, customer-first approach to support the education of children.”