Free Bus Passes for 11 to 16-Year-Olds in Greater Manchester
Overview
One of Bev Craig’s first significant policy moves as mayor of Greater Manchester is the introduction of free bus passes for young people aged 11 to 16. This initiative, set to launch in January, aims to support up to 200,000 young individuals.
Key Details:
- Application Date: Young people can apply for the bus pass starting December 8.
- Implementation Cost: The initiative is expected to cost Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) around £20 million.
- Previous Initiatives: This policy builds on the existing Our Pass scheme, which provides free bus travel for those aged 16 to 18.
Safety Measures
To manage potential disturbances on buses due to the influx of young passengers, TfGM is doubling the number of enforcement officers, known as travelsafe support and enforcement officers (TSEOs).
Comments from Officials
- Councillor John Leech raised concerns about possible disturbances on some routes.
- Steve Warrener from TfGM stated they have already increased the number of TSEOs and are budgeting for additional officers specifically for this new initiative. They also plan to educate young passengers on bus usage etiquette.
Community Impact
Mayor Bev Craig highlighted the necessity of this initiative by sharing anecdotes from families struggling to pay for bus fares, which impacts young people’s access to education.
Bev Craig stated, “I have heard some people question why this might be such an issue,” stressing the financial constraints many families face. The mayor expressed her commitment to ensuring that no child misses school due to transportation costs.
This policy not only aims to facilitate education and mobility for young people but also addresses social equity by alleviating the financial burden on families.
