If you're aged between 16 to 19, you can pay for child fares on buses, trams and trains in Greater Manchester for your travel to school or college.

16-18 year olds may also qualify for the new Our Pass. Find out about Our Pass, for free local bus travel and discounts on the tram, and check if you’re eligible.

Do you qualify?

To get a Scholar's permit you must:

  • be a permanent resident of Greater Manchester
  • be in full-time education at school or further education college
  • be aged 16 to 18, or 19 until the end of the academic year that your 19th birthday is in
  • live in Greater Manchester (if your school or college is outside Greater Manchester the pass will take you to the border)
  • not have any other free or concessionary travel permit from TfGM or your local council
  • Not be attending school/college on a day release, block release or as part of their employment

The costs and the benefits

The permit runs from the start of September to the end of the academic year (31 July). You can use your permit to buy:

  • a child single bus ticket for journeys to and from school or college
  • a child single tram ticket or 1-day travelcard for journeys to and from school or college
  • a child off-peak single train ticket or Day Return (Anytime or Off-Peak) for journeys to and from school or college

You can only use the permit in term-time, and only from Monday to Friday up to 9pm. You cannot use it at weekends or bank holiday, or for any other journeys except those which are to/from a school or college.

Before you get a permit

Other discounted tickets and passes for young people may suit you better – for example if you're a frequent traveller, buying a seven-day or 28-day bus ticket may save you more money.

Apply for a Scholar's permit

You can apply for a Scholar’s permit by post, or through a TfGM Travelshop.

Download an application form or get one from a TfGM Travelshop.

Fill in the form and attach:

  • a passport-sized colour photo of yourself, with your school or college's stamp on the back
  • proof of your name and age – a copy (not original) of your birth certificate, adoption certificate, medical card, passport or EU/EEA card
  • a £5 cheque or postal order; you can also pay cash if you're applying at a TfGM Travelshop
  • a stamped self-addressed envelope if you're applying by post

Post everything to the address on the form, or take it into a TfGM Travelshop.

If you apply at a Travelshop, you can usually get the pass immediately, but occasionally they may be busy, in which case you can collect the pass there in five working days.

If you apply by post, your pass should come within two weeks.

Renew your permit

You can apply for a permit for the new academic year from mid-August. Follow the steps in 'Apply for a Scholar's permit’ above.

If you lose your permit

It costs £5 for a replacement permit. Follow the steps in 'Apply for a Scholar's permit' above.