A local advocate is recognized for his work improving public transport access in Greater Manchester

On January 6, the final phase of bus franchising rolled out, bringing all services under local control as part of the Bee Network. Nathaniel was at the event celebrating this milestone, where he met Mayor Andy Burnham and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
He shared how he’s been advocating for step-free access at rail stations, but as a regular bus user, he knows the struggles many disabled folks face. He’s excited about the Bee Network and how it aims to make transport more accessible for everyone.
Mayor Burnham praised Nathaniel, saying he’s a fantastic advocate for disabled people in the area. He emphasized that accessibility is a key focus for the Bee Network, and input from people like Nathaniel is crucial for ongoing improvements.
Thanks to investments in the Bee Network, there are now hundreds of new accessible vehicles on the roads. By spring, over half of the buses will be new and equipped with features like wheelchair bays and audio-visual announcements.