Bev Craig has confirmed that 11-16 year olds will be able to access free travel across the Bee Network from January 2027, in her first official policy announcement after being elected Mayor of Greater Manchester last week.
The policy is an extension of the existing ‘Our Pass’ scheme, which has already given 16-18 year olds access to free travel across the region since 2019.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) say that the move will benefit nearly 200,000 young people across Greater Manchester, and will save families up to £500 per child, per year.
Bev Craig said: “During my campaign I promised that I would apply a simple test to every decision I take as Mayor – will it make life better for the people of Greater Manchester? That’s why on day one I’m announcing the extension of Our Pass to give free bus travel to 11 to 16-year-olds. This is exactly the kind of decision that passes our test.”
The newly elected mayor added: “It will put more money in the pockets of thousands of hard-working families – up to around £500 a year for every child aged 11 to 16 – and gives those young people a ticket to all the brilliant opportunities our city region offers”.
In addition to the extension of the ‘Our Pass’ scheme, Craig has also announced further support for families with children living in temporary accommodation. These children will be given access to free Bee Network travel to school, a policy which will be administered through local councils. This scheme will be in place by September, in time for the new academic year.
Today, Craig also outlined her plans to expand Bee Network services. On Sunday 30th August, a new 388 service will be introduced, running hourly between Ashton and Hyde via Stalybridge.
Other changes include an extension to the 615 route- this currently links Wigan and Middlebrook Retail Park, but from the 30th August will be extended to Bolton.
On Thursday 3rd September, a series of new night services will begin across the network. These will ensure that every borough of Greater Manchester has at least one night bus serving the area. The services receiving a round the clock night service are:
The number 50 (between Manchester and Salford)
The number 216 (between Tameside and Manchester)
The number 263 (between Trafford and Manchester)
The number 192 (between Stockport and Manchester)
The number 83 (between Oldham and Manchester).
Further changes, including additional services across multiple routes are scheduled to take place later this year, and TfGM have said that updated timetables will be published in due course.
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