Older and disabled people in Salford can now access free round-the-clock travel on all buses in Greater Manchester after a long-standing restriction was lifted.
Before 1 March, concessionary passholders had to wait until then because of a government restriction limiting free bus travel. But now the limit has been removed, they can travel for free before 9:30 am on the Bee Network.
The move to lift the restriction follows two successful trials last year during which hundreds of thousands of older and disabled people were given the freedom to travel by bus at any time of the day, seven days a week.
“During the trials, participating passholders said that removing time restrictions reduces stress and loneliness while also opening up opportunities for work and volunteering,” Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) said.
“The move also means that older and disabled people can attend hospital and GP appointments earlier in the day at no extra cost.”
To mark the move, older and disabled people who will benefit from the change met with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, together with representatives from across the city-region, on Friday 27 February.
The event was attended by members of Greater Manchester’s Older People’s Equality Panel and Disabled People’s Panel, as well as representatives from several charities.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Permanent freedom from the 9.30am rule means that older and disabled people can get out and about without any restriction – to hospital appointments, to work or to care for their grandkids.
“We’re really proud to be doing this and we can do it because we put our buses back under public control.
“The people are in charge again and that’s why we’re making this change – to benefit the people of Greater Manchester.
‘Twirlies’ was a nickname given to people trying to use their concessionary bus passes before 9.30am, but due to the restriction, they would be told: “Sorry love, yer twirly” (too early).
“The message from here to the rest of the country is: in Greater Manchester, there’s no more Twirlies,” he said.
Nakib Narat, co-chair of the Greater Manchester Older People’s Equality Panel, said: “It’s a life-changing move and it’s not just a win for older and disabled people – it’s a massive boost for the Greater Manchester economy and a genuine lifeline during the cost-of-living crisis.
“We’re not just passengers. We’re active contributors to the economy.
“By allowing people to travel when they actually need to, we’re putting an end to that notorious 9.30am bus crash and the frustration of being one of the ‘Twirlies’.”
