Mayoral candidate’s plans to extend free bus travel to 18-year-olds

Ms Craig today launched her campaign to replace Andy Burnham as Metro Mayor after his departure to Westminster and announced plans to give free bus travel on the Bee Network to every 11 to 18-year-old in Bolton and the rest of Greater Manchester.

The move comes after Greater Manchester Combined Authority scrapped time restrictions on pensioners using their free bus passes.

At a launch event in Bury, she was joined by Mr Burnham and Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell as 200 local supporters gathered to give her their full backing.

Mayor Campaign trail (Image: Labour Party)

Ms Craig outlined how she will extend the popular ‘Our Pass’ scheme from 16 to 18-year-olds to all 11 to 18-year-olds.

She said: “When Greater Manchester fought to take control of the buses… it wasn’t just about saying where a bus route goes. It was putting power and control back into the hands of local people. And we have seen what that does. We have seen that open doors and opportunities.

“And I have been talking to families that have been telling me how tight it is. I spoke to a mum who is making decisions and cutting back, not buying the stuff that she needed, not looking after herself, because she still had to pay for her kids’ bus fare to get them to school.

“I have spoken to young people who have said they are held back by lack of opportunity. How at the age of 15, getting around our city-region still costs too much.

“And I have spoken to 16 and 18-year-olds who have seen the great benefits that Our Pass has been able to bring.

“So that’s why I am proud to announce if I was elected as Greater Manchester’s Mayor, all bus travel for 11 to 18-year-olds will be free.

“This to me is the test. It is something that puts hundreds of pounds back into the pockets of ordinary people to make their life better. And it is something that opens the doors to tens and tens of thousands of young people across our city region that says this place is for you.”

The election for Greater Manchester will take place on Thursday, 30th July.