A new online business portal will support Greater Manchester firms in encouraging their workforce and customers to get on board with public transport and walking, cycling and wheeling to help shape the future of the region’s integrated Bee Network.
The interactive portal will provide guidance for businesses looking to make affordable and sustainable travel choices and support the wider regional economy.
Transport for Greater Manchester says businesses can play a crucial role in helping Greater Manchester build towards its ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by 2038.
With a year to go until the formal launch of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for a fully-integrated transport system, the launch of the portal also coincides with the start of the Get On Board campaign, which will promote public transport and active travel in Greater Manchester.
Earlier this month, capped bus fares were introduced.
The first franchised bus services will come into service in September 2023, when the bus network begins to come under public control.
Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner, said: “The integrated Bee Network will help drive economic growth across our city-region, creating new jobs, housing and opportunity for all.
“Encouraging affordable sustainable travel for employees, customers and visitors will provide the platform to boost productivity and improve people’s health and wellbeing across the region. It also makes a huge contribution towards protecting the environment and helping to meet Greater Manchester’s carbon reduction targets.
“To support this, there will be a step change in how TfGM engages with businesses, including the new business portal providing information and advice on getting the best value for money tickets and sustainable transport choices.
“As we launch Get On Board, our major campaign to promote public transport and active travel, it’s never been a better time for businesses to encourage and embed sustainable travel choices for staff, customers and visitors.”
Visitors to the TfGM business portal will find resources for both employers and employees, ranging from travel planning tools such as travel survey templates through to information on new flexible tickets and active travel provision such as Greater Manchester’s cycle hire scheme.
A business commuter toolkit, recommended for medium-sized businesses with around 50 employees or more, is available for download.
Smaller businesses may want to consider sharing TfGM’s employee journey planning guide, which will support employees to plan their commute considering sustainable options at an individual level.
Businesses in Greater Manchester looking for advice on promoting public transport and active travel are advised to visit TfGM’s dedicated travel planning page for employers.
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