Campaign to let Bolton pensioners use their bus pass anytime

Currently, pensioners and those with disabilities are only able to use their free passes after 9.30am and before midnight.

Two trials have been conducted, one in August and another just last month, to explore whether restrictions should be lifted.

Pensioners said they had more freedom when restrictions were lifted and could make appointments and avoid being labelled ‘twirlies’.

Transport bosses said the trials were implemented to see how unrestricted use of the 400,000 disabled and old people’s passes would impact running the network.

The Bolton News reported at the end of last month that the Mayor of Greater Manchester aims to make a ‘quick decision’ following the trial.

Cllr Peel said he was in favour of time restrictions being lifted and was speaking to Andy Burnham about this.

On Friday, Cllr Nick Peel posted on his social media account: ” I asked if people would support my campaign to make free all day bus travel for pensioners and disabled people in Greater Manchester permanent following two successful trials.

“The post reached 139, 000 people, had 1800 reactions and attracted 580 comments, 90 per cent of which were very supportive.

“Thank you for your feedback and I hope to update you soon!”