Greater Manchester upgrades accessible transport with new partnership with Via
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has partnered with mobility firm Via to modernise its Ring & Ride and Local Link services, improving flexibility and accessibility for thousands of passengers.
The upgrade supports Greater Manchester’s ambition to develop a fully integrated Bee Network, creating seamless connections across the city region. The new system, which launched on 26 February, serves over 850 passengers per day, including older people, disabled people, and residents without easy access to public transport.
Ring & Ride provides low-cost transport for disabled and older people with mobility issues, while Local Link offers on-demand minibus services in areas with limited public transport options. With Via’s technology, these services now include real-time ride booking through a mobile app, call centre, or web platform. Smarter vehicle scheduling also improves efficiency, reducing wait times and optimising routes.
TfGM plans to integrate these services with the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s wider public transport system. This follows the region’s decision to become the first area outside London to fully franchise its bus network, allowing greater control over fares, routes, and service quality.
Via’s technology is already used in 35 demand-responsive transport services across the UK, including schemes with Transport for London, Transport for West Midlands, and Transport for Wales. TfGM’s move marks another step in the region’s efforts to modernise transport and improve accessibility for all.
Alison Chew, TfGM’s Deputy Director of Bus, said: “The Bee Network is committed to making public transport and active travel more inclusive and accessible for everyone in Greater Manchester, and both Ring & Ride and Local Link play a vital role in providing access to low-cost, accessible and flexible journeys by public transport.
“We have invested significantly in modernising our public transport system to improve accessibility, including fitting our new Bee Network buses with audiovisual announcements, hearing loops and wheelchair bays, and we’re working hard to deliver even more improvements for our passengers.
“We know that these door-to-services are a lifeline for so many people in areas that are often hard to reach by traditional public transport, so we are delighted to be partnering with Via to help bring Ring & Ride and Local Link in line with our wider Bee Network to deliver a truly bespoke, modern and flexible experience for our customers.”
Sam Griffiths, Head of the UK & Nordics at Via, said: “Via is delighted to partner with TfGM to upgrade these services with our tech, and in turn make travel easier for all residents in Greater Manchester. Across the UK, we’ve seen how technology-driven mobility can transform communities, and we’re proud to support Manchester’s vision for a more connected and accessible region.”
