Date set for Bee Network's move to a London-style touch-in, touch-out payment system

Passengers will be able to seamlessly pay-as-you-go on buses and trams from March 23 next year, it’s been confirmed.

The move means passengers can use their phone or contactless bank card on either a tram or bus, and be charged for one ‘multi-modal’ ticket, capped at £9.50 for unlimited travel within Greater Manchester for a day.

There will be off-peak discounts for journeys starting after 9:30am, with a lower £7.80 cap for all-Greater Manchester travel. By the time the new ticket system comes in, all of the region’s buses will be under public control.

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The final phase of Bee Network ‘franchising’ takes place on January 5, when south Manchester services come under Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) control — representing half of the bus network. ‘Hopper’ bus fares, which allow someone to take as many services in an hour, will also be in place.

It’s thought they will move from a printed QR-code to the tap-in-and-out system.

“This is a massive step forward in terms of delivering a London-style transport network for the people of Greater Manchester, putting our region on par with not only the capital but also major cities across the world that offer seamless, integrated travel by public transport,” said Mayor Andy Burnham.

“Moving to this pay as you go system is going to make public transport more affordable and easier to pay for. It will take the worry out of choosing the right ticket for passengers and encourage many more people to get on board with the Bee Network.”

The promise of the tap-in-and-out system is passengers won’t have to worry about finding the correct, or cheapest, ticket — because TfGM software will automatically calculate the lowest fare for their journey. However, children will not be able to pay-as-you-go, like in London. Standalone Metrolink fares are not set to change, the MEN understands.