If you're under 16 and it's a long way to school, a Free School Pass lets you travel there and back for nothing.
Do you qualify?
By law a child may be eligible for free transport to and from school if:
- they are under 8 (or under 11 if you get maximum Working Tax Credit) and go to school more than two miles away; or
- they are between 8 and 16 and go to school more than three miles away; or
- they are disabled and cannot walk; or
- there is no safe walking route to school
Local councils can offer free travel to other children too. Check the rules used by your local council to see if you qualify.
Costs and benefits
The pass is free, and lasts for one academic year starting in September, and finishing on the 31st July the following year.
It gives you free term-time travel in Greater Manchester by bus, tram or train on a specific route between home and school, up to 9pm.
You can't use the pass for any other journeys.
Apply for a Free School Pass
You must apply for a pass from your local council, not from TfGM.
Renew your pass
Contact your local council about the new pass when the old one runs out at the end of the school year.
If you lose your pass
It costs £5 to replace your pass. Replacement passes are obtained from TfGM as opposed to your local council.
If you lose your pass download a replacement pass form
-
Visit our commuter page
Find a ticket that suits your commute
We've got great value tram tickets - designed to suit you. Find your ticket today.
-
Sign up to the challenge
10 for 10 challenge
Start your year well with 10 minutes of walking, cycling or wheeling every day for 10 weeks.
-
Visit the planned improvement works page
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
There are planned improvement works on Metrolink across selected lines and stops in 2023. You can visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works affect your journeys around Greater Manchester.
-
Visit the Business Portal
Discover the Business Portal
Supporting businesses, employees, clients and visitors travel sustainably and affordably.
-
Find out more about Local Link
Book a trip with Local Link
The reliable minibus service that takes you door to door from £1.
-
Find out more about the Cycle Hire sponsorship opportunity
Sponsorship opportunity for GM Cycle Hire
Is your brand interested in playing a role in GM’s first publicly operated cycle hire scheme?
-
Visit our commuter page
Find a ticket that suits your commute
We've got great value tram tickets - designed to suit you. Find your ticket today.
-
Visit the planned improvement works page
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
There are planned improvement works on Metrolink across selected lines and stops in 2023. You can visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works affect your journeys around Greater Manchester.
-
Find out more about Local Link
Book a trip with Local Link
The reliable minibus service that takes you door to door from £1.
-
Sign up to the challenge
10 for 10 challenge
Start your year well with 10 minutes of walking, cycling or wheeling every day for 10 weeks.
-
Visit the Business Portal
Discover the Business Portal
Supporting businesses, employees, clients and visitors travel sustainably and affordably.
-
Find out more about the Cycle Hire sponsorship opportunity
Sponsorship opportunity for GM Cycle Hire
Is your brand interested in playing a role in GM’s first publicly operated cycle hire scheme?