Older and disabled people in Salford are set to benefit from the removal of a restriction on concessionary bus passes next year.
Commuters with the concessionary pass will be able to access free round-the-clock travel on Bee Network buses from 1 March 2026, when the 9:30am restriction will be lifted.
The change follows two successful pilot schemes in August and November, which allowed around 400,000 people across Greater Manchester to use their passes at any time of day.
In a further move to make the Bee Network more inclusive and accessible, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and council leaders have confirmed that all bus and tram fares – including the £2 fare cap for an adult single journey – will be frozen for the whole of 2026.
Subject to finalisation of budgets in February and consultation on changes to the concessionary scheme, the change would be implemented from 1 March 2026.
According to Transport for Greater Manchester, over 34 million single or hopper bus journeys have been made and keeping the fare at £2 represents a significant investment in commuters across Salford and Greater Manchester.
Mayor Burnham hailed the move to scrap the 9:30 am restriction on buses across the 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.
“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 benefitting up to the age of 25, and 18-21-year-olds getting half price travel.”
He added: “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.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Freezing bus and tram fares for passengers is great news for our residents. The permanent concession for older and disabled passengers is a major step towards inclusive travel.
She said: “We will continue to work together with our partners across Greater Manchester to help and support people with the cost-of-living and ensure public transport in the region remains affordable and accessible for all.”
Local dementia awareness campaigner Dr Joy Watson praised the decision to remove a restriction that will allow her to make early morning appointments.
“This transport change will benefit not only myself, but many other people. The scheme has been a long time 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. Living with dementia has challenges, but this transport improvement will make a huge difference to my wellbeing. I can’t wait for the change, bring it on.”
