Mayor of Greater Manchester announces £2 single bus fare will stay for 2026
Older and disabled people in Greater Manchester will also benefit from the permanent removal of 9.30am restrictions on concessionary bus passes from March
From March 2026, older and disabled people in Greater Manchester will no longer face restrictions on the use of their concessionary bus passes, enabling 24/7 access to free travel on Bee Network buses.
This follows successful trials in August and November, when temporary round-the-clock access for around 400,000 concessionary passholders demonstrated benefits such as reducing stress, tackling social isolation, and granting greater flexibility in daily routines.
The permanent change, subject to final budget approval in February, is part of a broader effort led by Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham and regional council leaders to make public transport more inclusive and affordable.
Making fare freezes a regional priority
Alongside the removal of these restrictions, all bus and tram fares in the region will be frozen throughout 2026. This commitment includes maintaining the £2 fare cap for adult single bus journeys, which has been a defining feature of the Bee Network since its introduction in September 2022.
To date, over 34 million single or hopper bus trips have been made under this capped fare system, which forms one component of efforts to help residents facing cost-of-living pressures.
Greater Manchester’s investment in accessible travel
Leaders across the region, including councillors from Bolton, Manchester, and Salford, have expressed their support for the changes, underscoring their importance in promoting fairness, combating loneliness, and enabling independence among older and disabled passengers.
Local figures, such as dementia awareness campaigner Dr Joy Watson and Nakib Narat from the Greater Manchester Older People's Equality Panel, have also highlighted the wider societal benefits, including improved public health and reduced social isolation.
Mayor Andy Burnham 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.
“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.”