Everitt stays on as Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner for next phase of Bee Network

Vernon Everitt will continue as Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, providing continuity as the city-region prepares for the next stage of its Bee Network expansion, including the integration of rail services.

Greater Manchester’s new Mayor, Bev Craig, has confirmed Vernon Everitt will remain in the senior transport role he has held since 2022.

The decision comes after a period of significant change for public transport across the city-region, including the completion of bus franchising and the development of the increasingly integrated Bee Network.

Everitt, who also chairs Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), has overseen the transition of the region's buses into local control. The final phase of franchising was completed in January 2025, bringing services across Greater Manchester under the Bee Network.

Attention is now turning to the next stage of integration, with rail services due to begin joining the network from December.

TfGM says the period since Everitt became commissioner has also seen increases in passenger numbers, improvements in reliability and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

From bus franchising to rail integration

The decision to retain Everitt gives the new mayoral administration continuity as Greater Manchester pursues further changes to the way people travel around the region.

The Bee Network has already brought buses and trams under a common identity, with the longer-term ambition of creating a more joined-up system spanning different forms of public and active transport.

Craig has indicated that expansion of the network will be a priority for her administration.

On her first day as Mayor, she announced plans to extend Our Pass, providing free bus travel for 11- to 16-year-olds from January.

She also confirmed that Dame Sarah Storey will remain Greater Manchester's Active Travel Commissioner.

Craig said:

“Vernon and Sarah have been such driving forces behind the success of the Bee Network to date. Together, they’ve helped deliver major progress toward our goal of creating the joined-up public transport system that the communities of Greater Manchester deserve.“I’m so pleased Vernon and Dame Sarah have both agreed to continue in their commissioner roles and will be by my side as we write the next chapter of the Bee Network’s story.”

Focus turns to investment and growth

Everitt brings extensive transport experience to the role, having previously held senior positions at Transport for London.

He is also Chair of Transport for Wales and was awarded a CBE in the King's New Year Honours List 2026 for his contribution to public transport.

His continued tenure comes as Greater Manchester seeks to use transport investment to support the city-region's wider economic and population growth.

The challenge is increasingly moving beyond bringing individual modes under the Bee Network brand towards making those services operate as a genuinely integrated system.

Everitt said:

“It is a great privilege to continue serving Greater Manchester as Transport Commissioner, helping to build a more integrated, affordable and reliable public transport system, and securing the investment we need to match the city-region’s growth.“I look forward to working with the new Mayor to keep improving services and bringing rail into the Bee Network to connect more people to jobs, education and opportunities.”

With bus franchising now established, rail integration approaching and further changes to fares and accessibility planned, Everitt's reappointment means one of the key figures behind the Bee Network's development will remain in place as Greater Manchester moves into its next phase of transport reform.