On Monday 3 August 2026, Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig announced that 11- to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester will be entitled to free bus travel on the Bee Network from next year.
It is expected to benefit nearly 200,000 young people across Greater Manchester, saving families up to around £500 for each eligible child every year.
It will build on the successful Our Pass, which already offers free bus travel for 16- to 18-year-olds in Greater Manchester.
Are you or someone that you care for aged between 11 and 16?
If so, good news! We’re planning to make some exciting changes that mean young people will be able to travel for free on buses across Greater Manchester.
Here’s what to expect:
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Later this year: Applications will open so young people can apply for a pass to travel for free on Bee Network buses. Criteria of who is eligible to apply will be published later this summer.
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January 2027: The passes will go live and holders will be able to be use them on any Bee Network bus in Greater Manchester, all day, any day.
What to do between now and January 2027?
Young people don’t have to wait until January to get cheaper bus travel.
Those aged between 11 and 16 who live or go to school in Greater Manchester can still travel using cheaper, child tickets on buses and trams with an igo card.
See here for details on who is eligible, how to use and how to apply for an igo card.
What happens next?
More details about the pass will be shared soon.
Keep an eye on this page, where all information about the pass and how to apply will be available later this year.