Bolton pensioners to get free 24/7 bus travel in 2026

Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham has announced today (December 23) a permanent change to lift the 9.30am restriction on concessionary bus passes across the city-region.

Subject to finalisation of budgets in February and consultation on changes to the concessionary scheme, the change would be implemented from 1 March 2026.

This follows two successful pilot schemes in August and November, which demonstrated the benefits of all-day access for around 400,000 older and disabled passengers.

Mr Burnham said: “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.”

As part of wider efforts to keep public transport affordable, Mr Burnham also announced a freeze on all Bee Network bus and Metrolink fares throughout 2026.

The £2 adult single bus fare, in place since September 2022, is planned to remain for a fourth consecutive year.

Mr Burnham said: “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.”

The pilots revealed that removing the 9.30am restriction could help reduce loneliness, increase independence and provide access to early morning appointments and volunteering opportunities.

Dr Joy Watson, a dementia awareness campaigner, said: “This transport change will benefit not only myself, but many other people.

“The scheme has been a while coming, but it has been worth the wait.

“I will now be able to attend my early morning appointments and meet my caregiver at a time that is helpful to us both.”

The trials also showed a smoother distribution of passenger demand throughout the morning, easing the usual post-9.30am crowding.

Councillor Nick Peel, leader of Bolton Council, said: “I have been campaigning for free 24/7 bus travel to be made permanent, on behalf of the many Bolton residents who told me what a positive impact it has had.

“Together with the fare freezes for all passengers, today’s announcement is another great example of how Bolton benefits from being an active and engaged partner in Greater Manchester.”

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “The cap and opening up of travel times for our older population and people with disabilities are a welcome boost.

“The move across Greater Manchester aligns perfectly with our priorities of ‘sustainable inclusive growth’ and ‘tackling inequalities’ – making travelling to work affordable and easing the burden of transport costs for some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Trafford Council leader Councillor Tom Ross said the fare freeze would provide welcome support during the cost of living crisis.

He said: “Affordable public transport is vital so residents can get where they need to go without worrying about cost.

“t’s also fantastic news that 24/7 free bus travel for older and disabled people will become permanent from 1 March next year.”

The measures form part of the Greater Manchester Strategy, launched in July, which sets out a shared ambition to build a thriving city region where everyone can live well.

Central to that vision is a commitment to keep Bee Network travel affordable, with fares reinvested to support ongoing improvements to services.

The Mayor has also outlined plans for a new decade of growth, including a UK-first integrated pipeline of major housing, employment and regeneration schemes, backed by a £1 billion Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund.

Nakib Narat, from the Greater Manchester Older People’s Equality Panel, said the move marked a significant step towards becoming a truly age-friendly city region.

He said: “This change gives people real freedom – whether that’s attending early medical appointments, staying active in their communities or helping with childcare – without worrying about rising travel costs.

“It’s a life-changing decision for public health, fairness and tackling social isolation.”

Greater Manchester leaders say continued investment in keeping Bee Network fares low, alongside reinvesting revenue to improve services, will help ensure the benefits of growth are felt in every community across the city region.