Half price bus travel on Bee Network transforms access for young, elderly and disabled in Greater Manchester
- Luke Jones
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
A bold transformation of public transport in Greater Manchester has been unveiled, with half price bus travel set to benefit 18–21‑year‑olds from September, while a new pilot will allow free round‑the‑clock journeys for older and disabled passengers from August.
18–21s unlock unlimited bus travel at £1.43 per day
From 1 September 2025, around 150,000 young adults in Greater Manchester will be able to purchase a 28‑day Bee Network bus travelcard for just £40 - half the cost of a standard adult fare. That means unlimited travel across all Bee Network buses (daytime and night services) for the equivalent of just £1.43 per day.
The scheme is expected to expand access to education, apprenticeships, and jobs for young people and dovetails with the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (Mbacc) initiative.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, remarked the fare reduction aims to tackle rising living costs.
Mayor Burnham said,
“Come September, many young people will be starting their next exciting chapter in life… We’re bringing the cost of public transport down.”
Senior and disabled passengers gain round‑the‑clock freedom
In another first, older and disabled passengers will enjoy unrestricted bus access, including on night routes, throughout August. Currently, concessionary travel passes only cover 9.30 am to midnight during weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays. The month‑long pilot launching on 1 August will remove pre‑9.30 am restrictions, with TfGM gathering usage data to assess if these changes should be permanent.
“Better connections to loved ones, healthcare and the surrounding community is such an important part of living a healthy and fulfilling retirement,” Burnham continued.
Public transport inclusion central to wider growth plans
These initiatives are key components of the Greater Manchester Strategy, which aims to level access to opportunities, boost the economy, and support residents across all ages and abilities. They build on earlier cost‑reducing measures, including free travel for 16‑ to 18‑year‑olds and a £2 fare cap, and the introduction of daily capping across buses and trams.
Herbie Hursthouse from future‑pro Manchester praised the programme saying
“The new 18–21 bee network pass shows a fantastic investment into the future of Greater Manchester… saving aspiring professionals money along the way.”
To apply for the half‑price 18–21 pass, residents must show proof of age and Manchester address, and pay a £10 administration fee. Applications open on 1 September via the Bee Network app; an alternative application route is also available. Meanwhile, the free travel pilot for older and disabled passengers will run throughout August and could be extended if demand supports the trial.
