Elderly and disabled passengers in Greater Manchester can now use their concessionary bus passes at any time of day, following the removal of peak-time restrictions in a new trial.
By Olivia Sheed and Kelly Ashmore – Birmingham Live
Previously, those with passes – including pensioners and people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – had to pay to travel before 9:30am. The one-month pilot, running through August, allows unlimited use on the Bee Network without time limits, with strong indications it will be made permanent.
Local councils set the rules for concessionary travel, meaning access varies across the UK. In Greater Manchester, the change is aimed at improving access to essential services, such as GP appointments, and giving more flexibility to passengers. Bolton Council leader Nick Peel said the trial will help identify which routes are most useful before finalising the scheme.
The move has been welcomed by campaigners. Erica Woods, co-chair of the Greater Manchester Older People’s Equality Panel, called it a “great result”, especially for those with financial challenges who rely on buses. She noted that older and disabled people often struggle to get to medical appointments on time or are forced to pay for taxis they cannot afford.
Woods added that the benefits go beyond transport to healthcare: “We’re shoppers, carers, volunteers – this pilot will really help us unleash our potential.”
Evidence from passenger feedback, usage patterns and demand will be reviewed at the end of August, before a decision is made on making the change permanent.
