Almost 100,000 young people in Greater Manchester can now benefit from half-price bus tickets.
The deal, first announced in June by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, follows an agreement with the region’s bus operators. It means all 16-18-year-olds who lives or studies in Greater Manchester can get 50% off a day’s unlimited travel on any bus in Greater Manchester.
The ‘Anybus 1-Day Travelcard’ – available from bus drivers – has been introduced by Greater Manchester Travelcards Ltd (GMTL), which represents all bus companies in Greater Manchester.
Anyone wanting to take advantage of the offer will first need a 16-18 get me there smart card, which can be ordered online at www.getmethere.com.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “One of my key manifesto pledges was to provide free travel to our city region’s young people.
“The launch of this product signifies a major step towards realising this ambition so I’m absolutely delighted that it is now available.
“Whether for school, college or training or to spend time with family and friends, it’s now easier – and cheaper – for those aged between 16 and 18, to get around.
“By reducing the cost of bus travel we are enabling our young people to more easily access work and leisure opportunities, training, education and skills.”
Trevor Roberts, Chair of GMTL, the industry body which manages multi-operator and multi-modal ticketing in Greater Manchester, said: “We’ve worked hard with industry partners to make this product available and hopefully it will encourage more people than ever before to get on board with public transport.
“I’d encourage all those that are eligible to sign up for their 16-18 smart card as soon as possible, so that they can start taking advantage of this fantastic offer.”
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the transport delivery arm for Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and its Transport for Greater Manchester Committee (TfGMC).
