I’m really proud of the success I’ve achieved here in Greater Manchester with Andy Burnham to bring buses back under public control and build the Bee Network. I’ve seen first-hand how Our Pass, which gave free travel to 16-18 year olds had unlocked opportunities for college, work and just seeing friends. But I want us to go further.
I’ve heard from parents who are struggling to cover the costs of getting about, and this will put more money in the pockets of thousands of hard-working families. Young people tell me that they want Greater Manchester to be for them. I don’t want any young person to feel let behind in our region and this will open to door to experience all that our region has to offer.
That’s why I plan to expand Our Pass to allow free bus travel on the Bee Network for every 11-18 year old across Greater Manchester.
This flagship announcement sits alongside my commitment to freeze fares, expand our routes, and build out the Bee Network that will be laid out in a fully costed plan. We need a Mayor that builds a Greater Manchester that works for us.