Back in July, Greater Manchester unveiled its vision for the next decade – a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life, heralding a new era of economic growth. And as part of this, Mayor Andy Burnham announced an initiative that will see half price bus travel for young people in Greater Manchester – which is set to come into effect from today (September 1).
To help connect young people with work and study opportunities, Greater Manchester has introduced half price bus travel for 18 to 21-year-olds from September 2025. This follows on from a pilot of free 24-hour bus travel for older and disabled people being rolled out last month, lifting the morning restrictions before 9.30am, and is set to be evaluated to see how it could be developed.
Half price bus travel for young people in Greater Manchester
Set to launch on 1st 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 a growing network of night buses – helping young people to earn, learn and socialise.
Around 150,000 18–21-year-olds in Greater Manchester will benefit from half price Bee Network bus travel, which joins the existing Our Pass scheme, offering free bus travel for 16–18-year-olds and care leavers up to the age of 25, helping to cushion the financial burden young people can often face when leaving school and considering their next step.
Applications for Our Pass are currently open for this year’s cohort available via the Bee Network app and website, successful applicants will receive a digital pass in the Bee Network app.
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.”
Free bus travel for older and disabled people trial ends
Alongside half price travel for young people, disabled and older people in Greater Manchester have benefitted from free round-the-clock bus travel as part of a new pilot. Ending yesterday (August 31), those with a TfGM-issued concessionary travel pass could travel for free between 9.30am and midnight during the week and all day on weekends and public holidays.
Starting on August 1st, the pre-9.30am travel restriction was lifted on a trial basis for a month. As well as free early morning travel, it will mean older and disabled people will be able to board the Bee Network’s night buses, all night, for free for the first time. TfGM will gather data on the demand to see if a permanent change is possible.
A second trial period for free bus travel for older and disabled people
During the trial more than 100,000 journeys were made by older and disabled people before 9.30am, with up to 6,000 people a day making use of the pilot. Of the older people who took part, around 44% of the free journeys were made between 9am and 9.30am, and 68% between 8.30am and 9.30am.
Transport for Greater Manchester is now considering the results of the trial and feedback received by those who took part. The Mayor has announced that a second trial period will take place this November.
TfGM also announced today (August 1) new and improved cross-boundary bus connections between Greater Manchester and Cheshire and a new Express Mode feature in Apple Pay. A commitment to extend existing night (or 24 hour) services into next year was revealed as well as two new night buses set to be introduced later this week (September 4).