Bus pass restrictions for pensioners to be scrapped in one month

The long-standing 9.30am restriction on concessionary passes is set to be permanently removed on March 1.

The change follows successful trials on the Bee Network and forms part of a wider package of measures aimed at keeping public transport affordable and accessible during the cost-of-living crisis.

Today, January 2, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “One month today, GM will have lifted the 9.30am restriction on older and disabled people’s bus passes – permanently.

“We continue to work relentlessly to improve the lives of our residents.”

Under the current concessionary travel scheme, older and disabled passholders are generally unable to use their free bus passes before 9.30am on weekdays.

From March, that restriction will be removed on Bee Network buses , allowing free travel at any time of day, seven days a week.

The move follows two pilot schemes held in August and November, during which around 400,000 older and disabled residents were able to use their passes without time restrictions.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said the trials showed the change helped spread demand more evenly across the network and reduced overcrowding on the first post-9.30am services.

‘Removing the restriction is the right thing to do’

Andy Burnham at the Change Day Launch (Image: Bee Network)

Andy Burnham said the decision had been shaped by feedback from older and disabled residents and campaign groups across the city region .

He 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.”

He added that the move would help people attend early medical appointments, volunteer, work and stay connected with their communities.

The concessionary travel change was announced alongside confirmation that all bus and tram fares in Greater Manchester will be frozen until the end of 2026.

This includes the £2 single Bee Network bus fare, which is set to remain in place for a fourth consecutive year, as well as frozen Metrolink tram fares for a sixth year.

Prices for 7-day, 28-day and annual bus tickets will also remain unchanged.

Since buses came under local control in January 2025, more than 34 million single and ‘hopper’ journeys have been made across the network.