Aura Brand Solutions has released details of its work creating a bright yellow prototype train wrap as part of Manchester’s upcoming ‘Bee Network’ rail service
UK fleet, rail, and architectural graphics supplier, Aura Brand Solutions, has detailed its work creating a prototype train livery for Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) upcoming ‘Bee Network’ rail service.
The Bee Network is a planned integration of local rail lines into Greater Manchester's existing bus and tram network, a process that will begin in December 2026.
The rail integration, headed by TfGM and Northern Trains, will be introduced in three phases, aiming to bring 64 stations into the network by January 2028, with all 96 local stations included by 2030.
A first look at the new Bee Network rail service was unveiled in December 2025 at Manchester Piccadilly station with an eye-catching yellow train wrap designed and installed by Aura Brand Solutions.
The design of the yellow-branded Northern Class 323 train included the slogan “say yellow”, alongside further lettering hinting that the Bee Network was "coming soon."
The prototype debut coincided with Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and rail industry leaders sharing the roadmap for the new services, which aims to include better branding, simpler fares and ticketing, improved stations, and more joined-up journeys.
As of December 2025, a prototype integration for the Bee Network is also live, with passengers able to use their tickets interchangeably across bus, tram, and train when there is major disruption.
Speaking about the project on LinkedIn, Aura says: “We’re proud to support TfGM at this early stage, helping bring the vision to life and playing our part in shaping the future of transport in Greater Manchester.”
Last year, Aura collaborated with Network Rail to create the livery for the ‘Inspiration’ train, a free ‘moving exhibition’ created to celebrate the bicentenary of the modern railway.
The entire exterior of the train was wrapped by Aura including its windows, with colourful designs featuring the names of each themed carriage.
