24-hour night bus returns to Oldham with more frequent services

The 24-hour night bus is coming back to Oldham, with services running from Thursday to Saturday on the 83 route between Oldham, Failsworth, Hollinwood and Manchester city centre. Mayor Andy Burnham announced the return alongside more frequent daytime, evening and weekend services, marking the biggest bus network upgrade since Greater Manchester took control of buses in January 2025.

The changes affect 36 services across all 10 boroughs, with Oldham passengers getting both the night bus revival and increased frequency on their key route to the city. The improvements are subject to approval and final costing, with services expected to start during the 2026/27 financial year.

The night bus expansion isn't just for Oldham-Stockport, Tameside and Trafford will also get 24-hour services for the first time. New routes are planned for Stockport, Ashton and Wigan, while connections to major employment hubs like the Trafford Centre will improve.

Burnham said the changes came directly from public feedback and the decision to bring buses under local control. 'By expanding Bee Network night buses to every borough, and providing more frequent services to key employment locations, we are creating more ways for people to access jobs and opportunities,' he said.

Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt added that local control is already transforming services, linking workers to jobs and making it easier for families to travel across the city-region. The changes aim to support the night-time economy and improve everyday travel for residents.