Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced a bus fare freeze for 2026 and a removal of the 0930hrs restriction for concessionary bus passes.
The £2 fare cap will also remain in place on the Bee Network for a fourth consecutive year, Mayor Andy Burnham has announced.
Following trials, older and disabled people in Greater Manchester will be entitled to round-the-clock free travel on Bee Network from March 2026 onwards – subject to budget approval.
The bus and tram fare freeze will be in place until the end of next year.
Mr Burnham says: “I’m really pleased to confirm our intention to make this major change to give older and disabled people unlimited free bus travel on the Bee Network.
“Removing the restriction is the right thing to do and we’ve heard loud and clear from our residents the positive impact it will have on their lives.
“It complements the extensive support we have in place for young people too, with over 50,000 16-18-year-olds getting free travel through Our Pass, care leavers now benefiting up to the age of 25, and 18-21-year-olds getting half-price travel.
“We also know that many people are struggling with the cost of living, so I am pleased to confirm that we are freezing Bee Network fares for the whole of next year.
“Greater Manchester’s council leaders and I are committed to making sure that travel remains affordable and people can still get where they need to across the city region, with a bit more money in their pocket and one less thing to worry about.
“Nowhere in the country is transforming public transport like we are in Greater Manchester. Whether that’s new and improved services, better buses or low fares, we are delivering a network that works for our communities and our people – young and old.”
TfGM says the trials on removal of the concessionary pass time restriction in August and November resulted in demand being spread more evenly rather than the usual post-0930hrs surge.
Public petitions have been made to the government to remove the 0930hrs restriction for all concessionary users nationally. Meanwhile, a proposal by the Liberal Democrats to make bus travel free all day and night for disabled travellers was voted out by MPs in September.
