Care leavers across Salford will be able to access free bus travel up to the age of 25, to support the transition into independent living.
The updated transport offer will stretch across Greater Manchester and will allow residents who have experienced care at some point in their lives who are aged 18 to 25, up from 18 to 21 previously access free bus travel.
Salford residents using the pass, Like Our Pass, will also be able to access exclusive benefits including discounts, events, and activities.
In addition, half price off-peak day travel and weekend travel on Bee Network trams will be added to the offer later this year following feedback from care leavers.
The expanded offer has been brought forward by TfGM through collaboration with the Greater Manchester Care Leaver’s Trust to support young people leaving local authority care.
Care leavers initially were able to receive the pass between 18-21 years-old but the age bracket has been increased to align with the local authorities’ responsibility for care leavers until the age of 25.
And the move from the Bee Network is a commitment to ensure that public transport is inclusive and helping care leavers get connected to jobs and opportunities.
Rebecca Piercy, 22, who has benefited from free bus travel for care leavers said: “The 18-21 bus pass has already helped lots of cared-experienced young people, including myself.
“I used it to attend all meetings with my leaving care worker, doctors appointments’ and now the offer is being extended, I can continue using the bus for free.”
Rebecca continued: “Many young people struggle with money on a day-to-day basis and by extending the bus pass to 25, care leavers can get to appointments, food banks and access any other support that they need without having to worry about the cost of getting there.
“It also means that you can save the money that you would have spent on bus travel and put it towards more important things.”
To assess the case for extension, TfGM conducted a survey of care-experienced young people aged 18–21 between October and November 2023.
And the overwhelming majority expressed support for and intent to use the care leaver offer if extended to 25, with 95 per cent indicating they were very or extremely likely to apply.
And following the extension for care leavers who can access the free bus travel Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said.
“I’m proud that what first started as a two-year trial to help care leavers get around Greater Manchester for free is now a permanent scheme.
“We know that young people leaving care often face difficulties as they settle into their adult lives and the rising cost-of-living presents a very real challenge for people on low incomes.”
He continued: “By expanding the care leavers pass up to the age of 25 we are further enabling this group of young people to use Bee Network buses for free and access all of the education, work and social opportunities that they deserve.”
Care leavers within 18-25 age bracket who currently don’t have a valid pass are encouraged to apply or re-apply as normal via the TfGM website.
Meanwhile, care leavers who already have valid pass will be sent a new one either on or before the date of expiry.
Passholders are encouraged to check that their address is up-to-date with TfGM.
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