Greater Manchester mayor announces free bus travel for 11‑16 year olds

Mayor Bev Craig of Greater Manchester announced on her first day in office that free bus travel will be extended to children aged 11 to 16 across the city‑region, with the scheme set to start in January 2027. The policy builds on the existing Our Pass scheme for 16‑18 year olds and is expected to benefit around 200,000 young people, saving families roughly £500 per child each year.

The initiative is part of a broader rollout of the Bee Network, including new routes and night‑bus services, which Craig described as “transformational” for families and a way to give young people greater freedom of movement. Greater Manchester is believed to be the first English city outside London to introduce free bus travel for this age group.