Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has selected Softwire, a leading digital transformation consultancy, to develop the mobile ticketing and real-time journey information app for the Mayor’s Bee Network.
The Bee Network represents Greater Manchester’s vision for a high-volume, low-fare transport system, similar to London’s, aiming to revolutionize how people travel across the city region and support its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2038.
Softwire will be responsible for the design, development, and deployment of the app. The initial version of the app for the Bee Network is set to launch in time for the start of TfGM’s locally controlled bus services on September 24, 2023. This app will serve as the primary platform for passengers to purchase combined Bee AnyBus + Tram tickets, offering around 20 percent cost savings compared to separate standalone tickets.
Key features of the first Bee Network app version include:
- Integration of Greater Manchester’s new bus and existing tram services in one platform.
- Real-time departure information to assist passengers in planning their journeys.
- Navigational aids indicating stops and stations on the Manchester transport network.
- Capability to purchase retail tickets across the Manchester transport network.
- In-app mobile tickets accessible directly from passengers’ mobile devices.
Following the app’s delivery, Softwire will collaborate with TfGM to provide knowledge transfer, enabling TfGM’s in-house teams to manage ongoing maintenance and future enhancements.
Helen Humble, Head of Ticketing at TfGM, stated, “Softwire has demonstrable expertise in this space, including around user-centric design, accessibility, and the ability to build apps that integrate seamlessly with a variety of services, all of which will be crucial here.”
Alex Wolff, Director of Public Sector & Transport at Softwire, expressed excitement about assisting TfGM in realizing its ambitious Bee Network vision. Wolff emphasized the importance of a seamless user experience in boosting public transport usage, underlining Softwire’s track record in developing travel industry apps that meet user expectations in terms of functionality, design, and performance.
