1 week Ago
Care leavers in Greater Manchester can now benefit from free bus travel up to the age of 25. The travel scheme, which was previously available for those aged 18 to 21, has been extended to support more individuals in their transition to independence. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: "I’m proud that what first started as a two-year trial to help care leavers get around Greater Manchester for free is now a permanent scheme.
"We know that young people leaving care often face difficulties as they settle into their adult lives and the rising cost of living presents a very real challenge for people on low incomes. "By expanding the care leavers pass up to the age of 25 we are further enabling this group of young people to use Bee Network buses for free and access all of the education, work , and social opportunities that they deserve." The pass allows holders free anytime bus travel on all services across Greater Manchester.
It also provides access to exclusive offers, events, discounts, and experiences. Later this year, the travel benefits will be expanded to include half-price off-peak day travel and weekend travel on Bee Network trams. This decision follows feedback from care leavers.
TFGM, in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Care Leaver’s Trust, initially introduced the pass for care leavers aged 18 to 21. (Image: Supplied) It was aimed at allowing care-experienced young people easy access to work, education, and training opportunities, as well as personal appointments and meetings with their support networks. The extended age bracket now aligns with local authorities’ responsibility for care leavers up to the age of 25.
Kat Drake, 21, from Stockport, has already benefited from the free bus travel. She said: "Being able to access bus travel for free has really helped me in the last couple of years. "I’ve used it to get to job interviews, appointments, see friends, and stay connected with family members.
"Free bus travel gives care leavers like me the freedom to explore their options and figure out what is best for them." Similarly, Rebecca Piercy, 22, said: "The 18 to 21 bus pass has already helped lots of care-experienced young people, including myself. "Many young people struggle with money on a day-to-day basis and by extending the bus pass to 25, care leavers can get to appointments, food banks, and access any other support that they need without having to worry about the cost of getting there.
" TFGM conducted a survey between October and November 2023. It found that 95 per cent of care-experienced young people aged 18-21 were very or extremely likely to apply if the care leaver offer was extended to 25. Cllr Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport Council and GMCA portfolio holder for children and young people, said: "Helping care-experienced young people transition into adulthood with confidence means removing unnecessary barriers, and the cost of transport is a big one.
"Expanding the care leavers’ bus pass from 21 to 25 years old is a simple but meaningful step that will help more young people in Stockport and across Greater Manchester get to work, education, and stay connected with their support networks—without worrying about how they’ll afford the fare. "I’m proud to announce this initiative as part of our wider commitment to supporting care leavers and creating a fairer, more inclusive borough." Care leavers within the 18 to 25 age bracket who currently don’t have a valid pass are encouraged to apply or re-apply via the TfGM website.
Meanwhile, care leavers who already have a valid pass will be sent a new one either on or before the date of expiry. Passholders are encouraged to ensure their address is up-to-date with TfGM..
