Homeless Children in Greater Manchester to Receive Free School Bus Travel

Children living in temporary accommodation across Greater Manchester are set to receive additional support with travelling to school under a new initiative announced last week.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed that, following sustained campaigning, homeless children placed in temporary housing will be eligible for free school travel on all Bee Network buses.

TfGM said it recognises that families placed in temporary accommodation are often housed far from their child’s existing school. This can force parents and carers to make difficult decisions between moving children to a nearer school — potentially disrupting their education — or covering unexpected transport costs.

Although the Greater Manchester Strategy includes commitments to reduce the number of families living in temporary accommodation and to improve access to safe, affordable housing, these longer-term measures do not address the immediate challenges faced by affected families.

To provide support when it is most needed, the scheme will offer free bus travel to and from school, subject to approval as part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s budget for the coming year.

The proposal follows a request from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who asked TfGM last year to explore ways to ease travel costs for families in temporary housing.

“Using our locally controlled Bee Network buses to support families at their most vulnerable moments is the right thing to do,” Burnham said.

“A move into temporary accommodation can be hugely disruptive and stressful for families. Removing the cost of school travel means one less worry at a difficult time, and ensures children can stay connected to the teachers and friends they know and trust.”