Free Early Bus Travel for Elderly and Disabled in Greater Manchester Extended to November
- Safer Highways
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
A successful pilot scheme that gave elderly and disabled residents in Greater Manchester access to free bus travel at any time of day throughout August has been extended for a second trial period this November.
The scheme allowed concessionary pass holders to travel before 9:30am, a restriction that normally limits free travel until after the morning rush. During the August trial, more than 100,000 early-morning journeys were made, with up to 6,000 people using the benefit each day.
Often dubbed “twirlies” by drivers for being "too early" to board, passengers with concessionary passes were finally able to travel freely on early services — a move that advocates say had a real and immediate impact on people’s daily lives.
Strong Public and Charitable Support
The decision to extend the initiative follows an open letter signed by 44 community organisations, charities, and advocacy groups. Among the signatories were Citizens Advice, Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel, Manchester Deaf Centre, Transport for All, Trussell Trust, and various foodbanks.
The letter was addressed to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, urging him to make unrestricted concessionary bus travel a permanent policy.
Campaigners argue that lifting the 9:30am rule helps older and disabled individuals access work, medical care, education, and essential services—particularly those scheduled earlier in the day.
Organisations See Tangible Impact
Joe Troop, a representative from Trafford Foodbanks and organiser of the letter, welcomed the announcement of a second pilot.
“This is fantastic news. We hope it indicates serious consideration of a permanent change. We've already heard from many people about the difference the August trial made in their lives.”
He added that foodbanks increasingly serve elderly and disabled individuals, who are often overrepresented in communities facing hardship.
Joe also pointed out a less-discussed issue: many supermarkets run ‘quiet hours’ in the early morning, specifically aimed at creating a calmer shopping environment for older or neurodivergent customers. Without early travel access, many are unable to benefit from these inclusive efforts.
Data Shows Strong Early Uptake
According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), nearly 70% of the early trips during the August trial occurred between 8:30am and 9:30am, with 44% concentrated in the final half hour before the usual free-travel window began.
TfGM is now reviewing feedback and usage data from the first trial as it plans for the next phase.
Second Trial Set for Peak Period
The November pilot will take place during one of the busiest months for public transport, offering TfGM a chance to assess the scheme under more demanding conditions.
Fran Wilkinson, TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, said:
“It’s vital we make public transport as accessible and reliable as possible so people can get to work, school, appointments or social activities.
The August trial delivered really positive results. We’re running a second trial in November to gather more insight ahead of a long-term decision.”
Mayor Andy Burnham Signals Support
Posting on X (formerly Twitter) on 2 September, Mayor Andy Burnham expressed his support for the initiative:
“We’ve loved seeing how much people appreciated the freedom to travel whenever they needed to. Around 6,000 people used it each day in August.
While the summer trial is ending, we’ll be launching a second one in November to test demand at peak times. From there, we’ll consider what we can make permanent.”
The trial is part of a broader package of reforms under the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s integrated public transport strategy. The region is also rolling out more frequent services, cheaper fares, and night buses, aimed at making travel easier and more affordable for thousands.
A final decision on whether to remove the 9:30am restriction permanently is expected by the end of 2025.
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