Disability Travel in Manchester has Improved

 

Update from Transport for Greater Manchester / Bee Network, relating to disability travel passes:  

On 16th Feb, TfGM sent out this email to disability travel pas holders like me: Following successful trials in August and November, we’re pleased to let you know that from 1 March 2026, travel restrictions on your bus pass are set to be lifted permanently. What this means for you:  

• From 1 March 2026, you can enjoy free bus travel across Greater Manchester, and on Bee Network buses, at any time with your Transport for Greater Manchester issued bus pass. 

• This change applies to buses only. Trams and trains are not included. The annual £10 ‘Add Tram and Train’ product will still be available for those who need it, for off-peak travel only. 

• Current restrictions remain in place throughout the rest of England; Travel for free on all local buses between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.  

For further information on how to use your pass and to see the full terms and conditions, please visit beenetwork.com.   

We’re excited to make travel even more accessible and convenient for our passengers.  

Great news. Fair play. 

Worth pointing out, though, that before the pandemic, the passes were always 24/7 and were across buses and trams. So they’ve taken away a privilege, handed back a part of it, then handed back another part of it, all the while acting like they’re doing you consistent favours. I’ve got memory difficulties, hence my pass, and *I* remember. Do they think people with other disabilities won’t? 

Of course, the whole reason for me having this pass is that I have memory difficulties. I can easily foresee a situation where I thought I could use the pass on the tram before 9:30 without paying, and finding out I’m wrong. 

Let’s hope I don’t.