Labour's candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, has announced plans to expand the Bee Network, freeze bus fares and introduce more free public transport as part of her election campaign.
The proposals were unveiled during the launch of her campaign bus in Stockport and would apply across Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, Bury and Bolton.
Speaking during a campaign visit to Burnage Rugby Football Club, Bev Craig set out a series of transport commitments which she said would improve journeys and reduce travel costs for residents across Greater Manchester.
The proposals include creating new Bee Network bus routes and supporting the next phase of Metrolink expansion to Stockport.
She also pledged to bring more rail services into the Bee Network by extending the contactless tap in and tap out payment system across trains to create a more joined up public transport network.
Under the plans, the current £2 bus fare cap would remain in place until 2027.
Craig also said she would widen access to free travel. Building on an earlier commitment to provide free bus passes for everyone aged 11 to 18, she said elderly and disabled passengers would also receive free travel passes. Labour said a family with two children attending secondary school could save around £20 each week under the proposals.
The transport package also includes a dedicated fund to repair potholes across Greater Manchester, with the aim of reducing damage to vehicles and improving road conditions.
Labour said further details, including how the proposals would be funded, will be published as part of the party's forthcoming mayoral manifesto.
Bev Craig said, "Whether you live in Bolton or Burnage, I've set myself a test. If I'm elected as your Mayor, every decision I take will be guided by whether it makes you better off.
"By widening access to buses, trams and trains, keeping fares low, and tackling motorists' pothole pet peeve, we can keep more of families' hard earned money in their pockets.
"After years working side by side with Andy Burnham, I want to build on Greater Manchester's success story and continue to deliver for the whole of the city region."
The proposals build on transport changes introduced under Andy Burnham, including the rollout of the Bee Network across the city region.
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