Bus boost for younger, older and disabled passengers in Greater Manchester

Around 150,000 18–21-year-olds in Greater Manchester will benefit from half price Bee Network bus travel, better connecting them to work, training or education opportunities.

Plans were announced by Mayor Andy Burnham as part of the launch of the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS), the region’s vision for the next decade.

Set to launch on 1 September 2025, young people will be able to buy a 28-day bus travelcard for £40 – half the adult fare price they would normally pay. Equivalent to just £1.43 per day, it provides unlimited travel on any Bee Network bus, including night buses.

The initiative sits alongside the launch of the Greater Manchester Bacclaureate (MBacc) to ensure young people in the city-region can access good jobs and training opportunities. Free bus travel for 16-18 year olds is also available via the Our Pass scheme.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: 

“More than 50,000 16-18-year-olds are already making the most of free travel with Our Pass. Now, we’re making bus travel more affordable for 18-21-year-olds, supporting them into education, training or the world of work.

“Come September, many young people will be starting their next exciting chapter in life. But the costs of taking on new opportunities – like joining a workplace on an apprenticeship or T Level placement – is often a massive consideration and worry for young people. I’m really pleased we can help them make savings by bringing the cost of public transport down.”

Alongside half price travel for young people, disabled and older people in Greater Manchester are set to benefit from free round-the-clock bus travel next month as part of a new pilot. Currently those with a TfGM-issued concessionary travel pass can travel for free between 9.30am and midnight during the week and all day on weekends and public holidays.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: 

“Just as important as getting a good start into a great career is living well later in life. Better connections to loved ones, healthcare and the surrounding community is such an important part of living a healthy and fulfilling retirement.

“We’re proud to be lifting the fare restrictions for a pilot period in August, providing round-the-clock free travel on any Bee Network bus for older and disabled passengers. Many passengers tell us that their local bus service is a lifeline they couldn’t be without, so we hope this trial change will be a welcome one.”