The Manchester Turnaround

For decades, the bus system in Greater Manchester, UK failed to deliver reliable service for the region’s residents. The main culprit? A shift towards privatization in the’80s that allowed dozens of companies to operate in the city. As a result, ridership dwindled and services were slashed. In 2021, a UN-backed report described Manchester’s bus system as an "abject failure" and a "masterclass in how not to run an essential public service."

Yet in recent years Greater Manchester has seen a remarkable turnaround. Led by Mayor Andy Burnham, the region retook control of its bus system in 2023 and began rolling out a revamped transit system called the Bee Network. Made up of buses,trams, trains, and shared buses, the Bee Network has reversed the trend of falling ridership and helped connect residents in the midst of widespread growth and development in Greater Manchester.

In this episode, Mayor Burnham – who is currently in the public eye as a possible contender for Prime Minister – joins the show to dig into the history of buses in the city, his long history with political activism, and the remarkable and surprising impacts of the Bee Network.

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