Supporting Manchester’s Bee Network in a Complex Franchise Mobilisation
Before the takeover, Metroline had limited access to Stagecoach’s depots or vehicles. That meant we had to work blind, planning everything down to the smallest detail without setting foot in the sites they’d soon be operating.
Our team went in early to inspect, prepare and optimise Metroline’s depots for day one operations. We coordinated the transfer of over 200 buses, often overnight, moving vehicles between locations and workshops across Greater Manchester. Every transfer, inspection and setup had to happen in sequence. Fast, accurate and without disruption to the wider network.
Our goal was simple but critical: make sure the new Bee Network was fully staffed and operational no matter what happened during the TUPE transfer.
And we delivered exactly that.
When the launch day arrived, every depot was ready. Every shift was covered. Every vehicle was safe, compliant and road-ready.
Our ability to deploy skilled drivers, engineers and technical teams at speed meant Manchester’s new public transport system launched on time and without incident. That was a huge achievement given the scale and complexity of the operation.
Our work didn’t stop when the keys changed hands.
We provided ongoing engineering support across three depots at the same time, each with its own requirements, whether that be EV specialists or PSV electricians. At one point, we had over 15 engineers deployed across the city, ensuring that any technical issue was identified and resolved before it could cause a single delay. That flexibility and responsiveness were vital in maintaining performance and public confidence during the Bee Network’s critical early phase.
“Our ability to deploy skilled drivers and engineers quickly made all the difference,” said Excel Resourcing Director, Liam Poyner. “It meant Manchester’s new bus service could launch on time, operate efficiently and inspire public confidence from day one.”
A smooth, disruption-free rollout of one of the most ambitious public transport projects in the UK. A fully staffed, fully functional network operating from day one. And a partnership that continues today, supporting Metroline and TfGM as the Bee Network grows.
Franchise mobilisation on this scale is complex, high-stakes and unforgiving. Few businesses in the UK have the experience or operational knowhow to deliver it without disruption.
Luckily, we do.
