The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the local government body responsible for transport, aiming to bring people together and improving lives by connecting people and places. It works to enhance journeys for residents across Greater Manchester and focuses on keeping the region moving and growing. Its role is to make it easier for customers to travel from A to B, supporting more than 5.6 million journeys made each day on the city region’s roads, trains, trams, and buses. This includes working with bus, tram, and train operators to keep journeys running smoothly, as well as using technology to make travel and journey planning easier.
Building on its long-standing commitment to integrated mobility, TfGM is delivering the Bee Network, a fully integrated transport network that brings together bus, tram, active travel and, in time, rail services.
TfGM’s operational reach is significant. It owns Metrolink, the UK’s largest light rail network, and is planning further expansion in the future. It has brought bus services back under local control, becoming the first city region outside London to franchise bus services. TfGM is also working toward integrating local rail services into the Bee Network by 2030. In addition, it owns Greater Manchester’s bus stations, stops, and shelters, and continues to invest in new, modern transport interchanges. The organisation is committed to making travel easier and more affordable through improved travel information, lower fares, and smart, integrated ticketing systems. TfGM also manages the Key Route Network - nearly 400 miles of some of the region’s busiest roads - ensuring that traffic keeps flowing smoothly across Greater Manchester.
“We are joining ERTICO and will use this partnership to further develop key work streams related to future mobility, connected mobility in line with UK government Connected Service priorities, and Digital Network Management,” says Hannah Tune, ITS Development Manager at Transport for Greater Manchester. “We are using advanced digital platforms, tools, and mobility services to help TfGM tackle future challenges efficiently. Our goal is to build a transport network that meets customers' needs and connects people and places. This collaboration will support progress on these key initiatives.”
Joining a public-private partnership organisation to advance future mobility
Through the ERTICO Partnership, TfGM will collaborate on innovative solutions shaping the future of ITS. As mobility continues to evolve rapidly, TfGM recognises the need to adapt its transport management strategies by embracing digital technologies and strategic partnerships. The organisation looks forward to working with partners and exploring new opportunities in innovation, data, and technology to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the Greater Manchester transport network.
Central to its long-term vision, TfGM aims to transform how people move by building a digitally connected, multimodal transport system through the Bee Network - integrating bus, tram, rail, and active travel. Digital twins, real-time data, and connected mobility solutions are supporting better demand management, improved safety, and reduced emissions. TfGM is also exploring ways to remove barriers at modal interchanges, enable on-demand services, and prepare for connected and automated mobility, all while progressing toward Vision Zero. The organisation sees the ERTICO partnership as an important accelerator for pushing boundaries in these areas and shaping the future of mobility in Greater Manchester and beyond.
“We warmly welcome Transport for Greater Manchester to the ERTICO Partnership. Their leadership in integrated mobility and digital transport management brings valuable expertise to our network. By collaborating closely, we can connect the right stakeholders, strengthen the mobility ecosystem, and support TfGM in driving forward innovative solutions that benefit both the region and the wider ITS community,” summarises Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO-ITS Europe.
Joining the ERTICO Partnership is an important way to connect the dots between different sectors across our complex ecosystem. The Partnership enables close collaboration between stakeholders by coordinating the planning and deployment of intelligent transport systems and smart mobility solutions in Europe and beyond.
See all of ERTICO’s Partners here and learn more about how to join the Partnership.