A new pilot is aiming to provide free round-the-clock bus travel for 400,000 older and disabled people in Greater Manchester.
The pilot, which begins on 01 August, will look to improve access to healthcare, leisure and retail opportunities for those less able to travel by themselves.
Currently, members of the public in possession of a TfGM-issues concessionary travel pass are entitled to free bus travel between 9:30 and 00:00 during the week, as well as all day on weekends and public holidays.
The new pilot, which will run for a month, will measure the impact of removing the pre-9:30 travel restriction on all buses within the region, offering free travel for older and disabled people 24 hours a day.
The scheme was announced by Mayor Andy Burnham on 09 July as part of the launch of the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS), which also included a pledge to keep the cost of travel as low as possible.
Leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Arooj Shah, said:This is a really welcome move that will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of older and disabled people in Oldham and across Greater Manchester.
Removing early morning travel restrictions will help residents get to medical appointments and take part in community life without any unnecessary barriers.
It's a simple change that helps unlock opportunity and tackle inequality. I’m proud that Oldham is part of a Bee Network that puts people first.
The trial will only be available on Bee Network buses, with collected data and passenger feedback planned to be used to decide on making the scheme a permanent plan.
