TfGM partners with Greater Manchester credit unions on annual Bee Network tickets

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has confirmed plans for a new annual bus pass that will cut the cost of travel in the city region through a partnership between Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) credit unions in the city-region.

TfGM is working with Greater Manchester Credit Unions, including Stockport Credit Union, to enable to people to apply for the new annual pass from December 5^th so their bus ticket is available to use from January 5^th. TfGM is also working with the Credit Unions to launch similar schemes to cover annual Metrolink and combined bus and tram ticketing from March 2025.

Available from January when the remaining areas of Greater Manchester including Stockport see bus services come under local control, passengers will be able to purchase an annual ticket giving unlimited travel on Bee Network buses for a year for £800. Customers will also be able to spread payment, at no extra cost, throughout the year with a Credit Union loan, paying £15.38 per week. Compared against new lower fares for 7-day and 28-day tickets also taking effect in January 2025 (falling to £20 and £80 respectively), the annual ticket represents a saving of up to £240 a year.

Alongside falling fares for regular bus passengers, from January, single journey tickets will be replaced by a new ‘hopper fare’, offering passengers greater flexibility – the same £2 ticket price will allow passengers to board as many Bee Network buses as they like within one hour.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“With so many people across Greater Manchester struggling with the cost of living, I am really pleased we are able to drive down the cost of using Bee Network buses by reducing the price of weekly, 28-day and annual travel.

“Through this innovative initiative we are making our best value products available to all, and I hope it helps give people worried about bills certainty about the cost of travel and gives them one less thing to worry about.

“This is only possible because we are leading the way in bringing buses under local control after almost 40 years, and now we are leading the way in making our networks more accessible, inclusive and affordable.”

Rose Marley, Chief Executive Officer of Co-operative UK, said:

“This is a truly co-operative offer, not only is it better for the environment and better for your pocket it will also demonstrate the benefits of joining a credit union and how that can help you further with the cost of living.

“Everyone is working together to deliver the best possible outcomes for Greater Manchester, it’s local power at its best.”

Ciara Davies, Executive Lead for the Greater Manchester Consortium of Credit Unions, added:

“The Greater Manchester Consortium of Credit Unions is delighted to be involved in this innovative new initiative with Transport for Greater Manchester. 

“Credit Unions are not-for-profit financial co-operatives that have been providing access to affordable financial services in communities and workplaces in GM for over 30 years. This new product will spread the cost of travel and save people money which is just one of the ways in which credit unions can help make your money go further.”