Free and low-cost travel for jobseekers and new workers

Coronavirus update

Our Access to Employment and Access to Apprenticeships Ticket Schemes are currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Please check back here for further information. Tickets already issued remain valid for travel.

The Bike to Work Scheme is still operational, and will is currently being fulfilled remotely via your advisor.

1-day bus pass for jobseekers

If you're unemployed, you could travel for free to and from a job interview on any bus in Greater Manchester.

Speak to your Jobcentre Plus advisor about getting a 1-day pass.

28-day travel passes for new workers

You could get free travel on any Metrolink tram and most Greater Manchester buses for 4 weeks after you start a new job if you were previously unemployed.

Your free travel lasts for 4 weeks to and from work. After that you will be given reduced-price travel for up to 12 weeks.

To qualify:

You must have been a Jobcentre Plus client who has started a new job and has signed off your out-of-work benefit.

To get your pass:

1. Ask your Jobcentre Plus adviser for an application form
2. Take the application form, and a passport-style photo, to a TfGM Travelshop.

The Travelshop will give you a System One membership card and your free 28-day ticket.

You'll also get vouchers that you can use, if you're still working, to get more 28-day tickets for around 20 per cent of the usual price.

Two days before a 28-day ticket runs out, ask your employer to sign the next voucher to confirm that you'll be employed for the next 28 days. Then take everything back to the TfGM Travelshop to get your next ticket.

You get one free 28-day ticket, and up to three low-cost tickets.

Using your ticket

Take your 28-day ticket and your System One membership card with you when you travel.

Both the ticket and the membership must be presented to the driver when boarding the bus, or to any bus or tram inspectors when required.

We can't replace lost tickets or vouchers.