Leading Trafford Labour politicians have welcomed the launch of the Bee Network travel system that puts passengers before profits.

The party also praised the introduction of the new integrated ‘tap on, tap off’ payment option on the city region’s buses, meaning passengers no longer need to buy a physical ticket.

It also means unlimited travel on both the tram and bus network will be automatically capped at £9.50 a day, or £7.80 during off-peak times.

Contactless ticketing already operates across Greater Manchester’s tram system.

Cllr Sophie Taylor, who represents Old Trafford ward, tabled a motion during a recent Full Council Meeting, where she commended city-region leaders, Mayor Andy Burnham and Green City Lead, Cllr Tom Ross, TfGM and GMCA executives, for making this ‘innovative’ system a reality.

Cllr Taylor said: “The days of private companies setting their own fares and putting profits before passengers are over.

“We are now assured of reliable, predictable, and affordable transport services within Trafford and beyond.

“The network provides wide-ranging benefits including a greater use of public transport, active travel, reduces congestion, and improves air quality.

“It has been designed to be fully inclusive and will be expanded to ensure underserved communities have improved transport links across the borough.”

The system brings Greater Manchester into line with London’s public transport operation, in offering a multi-modal, integrated and capped payment system.

Passengers can either use a debit or credit card or their smartphone to tap card readers as they board buses.

Cllr Keleigh Glenton, who represents Manor ward, praised the ethos behind the Bee Network and said it was a real reflection of the power of putting Labour values into action.

Cllr Glenton said: “The Bee Network offers better connectivity – so more frequent and reliable buses, with simpler fares. For my residents and my family in the south of the borough as well as my friends in the north, this means easier commutes, helping us all get to work, education and leisure destinations faster and more affordably.

“We are also benefiting from active travel improvements. With expanded cycling and walking routes, the Bee Network encourages healthier, greener travel options – reducing congestion and improving air quality, which is vital for our own and our children’s health and wellbeing.”

Cllr Jill Axford, who represents Lostock and Barton ward, echoed her colleagues’ comments saying she was pleased at the success of the Bee Network.

Cllr Axford said: “Since the start of franchising there’s been a five per cent increase in patronage, with a targeted 30 per cent increase by 2035. And more than 80 per cent of buses are running on time.

“The £2 price cap and the collaboration with the Credit Union to offer loans for an annual travel pass will continue to allow more of us to get around more easily and more cheaply, no longer needing to rely on a car.

“It is a joy to see the sparkly new yellow electric buses in the borough – and I have high hopes of the new Trafford Local Bee Network Forum in changing routes and frequences of services according to local need.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to Andy Burnham and his team for their commitment and hard work in making this happen.

“It shows true vision, and demonstrates how putting public money into public services is a real investment, not only helping to protect our environment but also contributing to economic growth and wellbeing.”

How does it work, and how much are fares?

Bus passengers no longer need to buy a physical ticket.

Instead, they can tap a card reader when they board, with no need to tap again when they get off.

Virtual tickets, costing £2, include an unlimited number of bus trips within a 60-minute period.

Passengers can also pay £5 for a day’s unlimited travel, or £20 for a week.

Tram passengers should continue to tap card readers at the start and end of their journeys.

Single Metrolink fares cost £2.70 (or £1.90 for off-peak travel) up to a maximum of £7.10 (£4.90 off peak) for a day’s unlimited travel.

A virtual weekly travel pass starts at £10.60 and goes up to £31, depending on the number of zones that the passenger travels through.

Those using both buses and trams should use the same contactless card or device every time they travel, in order to have their total fares capped.

This ranges from £6 (£5.40 off peak) to a maximum of £9.50 a day for unlimited travel.

Weekly travel costs from £24.80 to £41, depending on the number of tram zones travelled through.

Passengers who still wish to purchase physical tickets, or to pay by cash, can still do so on buses or at ticket machines.