They have been a fixture of life in south Manchester for almost 30 years. Since 1996, Magic Buses have ferried the city’s students from Fallowfield to university and nights out in town.
Cheap and frequent, the iconic double-deckers have been the go-to mode of transport for fresh-faced undergraduates for the last three decades. But yesterday (Saturday) marked the end of an era as the last ever Magic Buses made their final journey.
The 142, 143 and 147 Stagecoach services will continue to run, but will be now be part of the Bee Network.
The Magic Bus was first introduced in Manchester back in 1996 and the buses used were generally older vehicles in the Stagecoach fleet.
They soon became student staples — with the routes from south Manchester to the city centre including stops in Withington, Fallowfield, Rusholme, and on Oxford Road for the main universities.
For many, the journey to and from town on a packed Magic Bus was an integral part of a night out. With their blue and yellow branding and trademark wizard, the Magic Buses were a familiar sight along the Wilmslow Road bus corridor – said to be the busiest in Europe.
The buses have been a staple of student life in Manchester for almost two decades
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Fares were purposely kept low so that hard-up students could save their money. Tickets were priced at £1 for many years before being increased to £1.50 in 2017, and later to £1.80.
Although remembered fondly by many for their cheap and cheerful nature, not everyone had such misty-eyed memories. The Magic Buses have been upgraded over the years, but its trademark name remained.
When Stagecoach went electric in 2019, the old double-deckers were replaced with a new fleet of e-buses. The sensible royal blue and yellow livery was ditched in favour of new azure tones.
The iconic buses will now become part of the Bee Network
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
However, the Magic Bus brand is now no more as all Stagecoach services in Greater Manchester are taken into public control, and come under the Bee Network brand — which launched in September 2023.
Prices will now fall in line with non-Magic buses in the Bee Network. Bus fares have been capped at £2 for an adult single in Greater Manchester since September 2022, a move which has been replicated nationally to help people in the cost-of-living crisis.
Rob Jones, Managing Director at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “This is a landmark moment for Manchester’s transport. Our services have been part of the city’s story for decades, and we’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. As we transition to the Bee Network, we remain committed to delivering the same excellent service customers know and trust.”
The Magic Bus has been a familiar sight across South Manchester for decades
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Claire Miles, Chief Executive Officer at Stagecoach Group, said: “For over 25 years, Stagecoach Manchester has connected communities and delivered dependable, affordable travel, with the Magic Bus becoming an iconic symbol of the city.
“As we see a shift to the Bee Network, we take pride in the legacy we’ve built and thank our dedicated staff and customers for their support. While the Stagecoach Manchester and Magic Bus services comes to an end, its place in the hearts of Manchester will never be forgotten.”