Greater Manchester Bus Users to Save Up to £250 Annually with New Payment Options

A new initiative could enable bus commuters in Greater Manchester to achieve annual savings of approximately £250 on their bus tickets. This opportunity, set to commence in 2025, stems from an agreement forged between transport authorities and credit unions. It will allow passengers to purchase their travel via weekly payments of £15, a reduction from the current £20 cost of a seven-day pass. Another option available is monthly payments of £67, which is less than the £85 price for a 28-day travelcard. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham commented on the scheme, stating: “This is going to save people a lot of money.“Instead of paying £20 for a weekly, people can spend £15. It works out as £2.20 a day.” Furthermore, a £2 “hopper fee” has been implemented, allowing passengers unlimited bus travel within a one-hour period for £2. Additionally, the price of weekly bus tickets is being lowered by £1, setting the new price at £20. These reduced fares in Greater Manchester are distinct from those in other parts of the country, where the bus price cap is set to increase to £3, a consequence of the transfer of transport powers from the central government to local Greater Manchester authorities. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will once more utilize its reserves to address financial shortfalls and aims to boost public transport ridership and diversify income streams over the coming year. The mayor reiterated his call for more residents to use public transport, asserting: “The more people use it, the more we’ll be able to keep these low fare offers in place.”He also noted that annual ticket-holders were “committing to being long-term bus users, so it’s good for us as well”. These fare reductions are the result of a collaboration between TfGM and ten credit unions operating throughout the region. Chris Canham, chief executive of Hoot Credit Union, based in Bolton, stated: “Our job is to help people financially and this is just another way we can help people in the community access services that otherwise they might not be able to afford.“The upfront cost of an annual ticket is expensive – especially at this time of year.” Applications for these tickets will be open to commuters at credit unions or online starting from December 5. For additional content, listeners can access BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can be submitted via email to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or by WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.