Care leavers can now access free bus travel up to the age of 25 in Greater Manchester as part of an expanded transport initiative to support their transition to a more independent life.
The updated transport offer provides free anytime bus travel on all services within Greater Manchester for people who have experienced care at some point in their lives who are aged 18 to 25, up from 18 to 21 previously.
Similar to Our Pass, the care leavers pass also provides access to exclusive benefits, including discounts, events, and activities.
In addition, half price off-peak day travel and weekend travel on Bee Network trams will be added to the offer later this year following feedback from care leavers.
The expanded offer has been brought forward by TfGM through collaboration with the Greater Manchester Care Leaver’s Trust to support young people leaving local authority care.
Initially available for care leavers aged between 18 and 21, the pass was designed to enable care-experienced young people to easily access work and training opportunities, places of education, personal appointments and meet ups with their support networks.
The age bracket has now been increased to align with local authorities’ responsibility for care leavers up until the age of 25 as they transition into adulthood.
The move is part of a wider Bee Network commitment to ensure that public transport is inclusive and helps connect people to jobs and opportunities across the city-region.
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.”
(Pic: TfGM)
