Last week I voted for the Railways Bill – a major step towards creating a simpler, more reliable rail system. The Bill establishes Great British Railways, a new publicly owned body that will bring together 17 different organisations to end years of fragmentation and make the network easier to use. It also introduces a new GBR app and website so passengers can book tickets directly, without booking fees, and benefit from Pay As You Go options. And for the first time in 30 years, rail fares will be frozen – saving commuters hundreds of pounds a year.
These national changes come alongside big improvements here in Greater Manchester. From this weekend, fares across the region – including on routes serving Stalybridge and Hyde – will be much simpler. Instead of a confusing range of ticket types, there will just be two options: anytime or off-peak, and single tickets will cost half the price of a return. This means cheaper, easier journeys for local commuters and families.
Looking ahead, these changes pave the way for contactless tap-in/tap-out travel from December 2026, when local rail will start to integrate with the Bee Network. That means one system for trains, trams, and buses – making travel across Greater Manchester seamless. Our local lines, including Stalybridge–Manchester and Glossop–Manchester, will be among the first to join, with upgrades to stations and more frequent services planned.
Greater Manchester’s long-term vision also includes tram-train proposals, which would allow services to run on both heavy rail and tram lines. One of the routes being explored is the underused rail line through Denton, which could connect directly into the Bee Network. This would mean faster, easier journeys into Manchester and across the region without changing trains – linking towns like Denton, Hyde, and Stalybridge more closely to jobs, education, and leisure.
Combined with new stations, step-free access, and metro-style timetables, these plans will make everyday journeys easier and support regeneration and growth in our towns.