Older and disabled passengers to benefit from free round-the-clock bus travel this August

Hundreds of thousands of older and disabled passengers are set to benefit from free round-the-clock bus travel during a month trial this August. 

The trial will take place on buses from Friday, August 1 but will not be available on trains or trams.

Currently those with a TfGM-issued concessionary travel pass have free bus travel between 9.30am and midnight during the week. The current travel passes also work all day on weekends and public holidays.

During the trial, passengers will not have to wait until 9.30am to use their free pass.

The trial is part of Greater Manchester’s vision for the next decade to grow the local economy and ensure everyone can travel safely and live well.

The aim is to keep the cost of travel as low as possible, improving connections and making it easier for people to use the Bee Network to get around.

If you travel with a TfGM-issued concessionary travel pass, from 1 August you’ll be able to use it on #BeeNetwork buses before 9.30am as part of a month-long trial.

Find out more: https://t.co/dBVFoMyAhg pic.twitter.com/44hWx4mXT6

— Bee Network (@BeeNetwork) July 27, 2025

Erica Woods, co-chair, GM Older People’s Equality Panel, said: “We’re really excited for no more ‘twirlies’ (Older people arriving ‘too early’ to use their bus pass) this August on the Bee Network.

“This is a great result for older residents, and we can’t wait to make the most of it.”

Erica continued: “It’s often older people with financial challenges that rely on buses and currently they can’t get to essential health appointments, meaning that treatment is delayed or they have to use taxis that they can ill-afford.

“And it’s not just older people that will benefit – we’re shoppers, we’re carers, we’re volunteers. This pilot will really help us to unleash our potential.”

The trial is being held to look at the impact of lifting the 9.30am restriction on peak bus services and those shortly after 9.30am.

Pass usage and passenger feedback will be assessed at the end of the trial before a decision is made on whether the move can be made permanent.

An older people pass is available to passengers of state pension age who live in Greater Manchester – can find more information here.

Disabled passengers can apply for a pass that gives them free and low cost-travel in Greater Manchester and the rest of England under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) – with more information being found here.

Salford residents can find more information about the Concessionary pass trial here.