Older and disabled people in Greater Manchester will benefit from free round-the-clock travel on Bee Network buses, with the permanent lifting of the 9.30am restrictions on concessionary passes from March 2026.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and council leaders from across the city-region have been working with older and disabled groups locally to bring about the major change which will give “real freedom” to passengers.
It follows two successful pilots in August and November, during which around 400,000 older and disabled people in Greater Manchester were able to use their concessionary passes 24/7, rather than having to wait until 9.30am to get on board.
Subject to finalisation of budgets in February and consultation on changes to the concessionary scheme, the change would be implemented from 1 March 2026.
In a further move to make the Bee Network more inclusive and accessible, the Mayor and council leaders have also 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.
