Older and disabled people are celebrating as the phenomenon of the ‘Twirly’ finally comes to an end on the Bee Network – giving passholders free round-the-clock travel on all buses in Greater Manchester.
The ‘Twirlies’ got their nickname by trying to use their concessionary bus passes before 9.30am, but due to a government restriction, they would be told: “Sorry love, yer twirly” (too early).
However, from the weekend, older and disabled concessionary passholders will no longer have to wait until 9.30am to get on board a bus in Greater Manchester as the time restriction for free travel is permanently lifted on Sunday, 1 March.
It 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.
The move also means that older and disabled people can attend hospital and GP appointments earlier in the day at no extra cost.
Permanently lifting the 9.30am rule is just the latest example of how bringing buses under the Bee Network is improving the lives of people across Greater Manchester.
To mark the move, older and disabled people who will benefit from the change met with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, together with representatives from across the city-region, for a celebratory event today, 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.
“The message from here to the rest of the country is: in Greater Manchester, there’s no more Twirlies!”
Nakib Narat, co-chair of the Greater Manchester Older People’s Equality Panel, said:
“It’s a lifechanging 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’.”
