In this post, I visited the rather interesting Ashton Bus Interchange with the Metrolink tram stop, Ashton-under-Lyne. This is part of a wider series where I am visiting various bus stations and interchanges around the United Kingdom. So far, I have been to Warrington, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Glasgow, Lancaster, and also Preston, although I didn’t actually write a blog on that.

I quite appreciate the design of the bus stations around Manchester. Since the Bee Network took over, there’s a consistent design featuring white, black, and a striking contrast with the yellow on the buses and the Bee Network logo. So far, I’ve visited Piccadilly Gardens and Shudehill Bus Interchanges, both of which also have tram stops, which is interesting to note.

Ashton is a relatively small bus interchange with approximately 7/10 bus stands, comparable in size to Shudehill Interchange. Most of the buses arriving here are yellow, except for the occasional Stagecoach and Go North West buses that still retain their old branded liveries. I also noticed a significant number of BZL Volvo double-decker buses heading to Manchester on the 216/219 routes, along with some Wright Street Decks and Enviro 400 EVs.

One thing I noticed while riding these new buses is their fast charging. Using USB C instead of USB A is a neat feature, and I am eagerly looking forward to Birkenhead getting these buses when we move into public ownership sometime in 2026. Although I’ve heard some complaints about the Bee Network, from my experience, I’ve quite enjoyed my journeys.

One thing to note about these bus interchanges is the integration with the Metrolink and services from Ashton Tram Stops go to Manchester Piccadilly & then onward to Media City & Eccles a line I have done many times and if you would like to see some blog posts regarding the Manchester Metrolink do please let me know in the comments. The interchanges are a rather common site in Manchester which tbh I really like.

I’ve also heard that Metrolink will eventually be extended towards Stockport, with the new bus interchange in Stockport that recently opened. I need to visit it to write up on the new interchange and discuss the potential extension, which might come from East Didsbury or even the Trafford Centre.

There are numerous routes to and from Ashton Bus Interchange, including services to Manchester Piccadilly, Ashton, Rochdale, and even places like Oldham. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to explore many of these routes, except for the 216, which took us all the way into Manchester Piccadilly. I also had the opportunity to try the 409 on one of their new Enviro 400 EVs.

I’m quite enjoying these Bus Station posts. Let me know if you’d like me to visit your local bus station or interchange. I’m currently focusing on those near my area. For example, I’m planning to visit Huyton Bus Station soon and will eventually revisit St Helens when the new bus station opens.

One thing I love about the Bee Network is the logos; they are all present around the bus station, on the buses themselves, and on each stand near the tram stop, as you can see in the photos taken above. Have you ever been to this station? If so, I would love to know your thoughts on it as well as your general opinion of the Bee Network.