Free ride on buses for elderly and disabled individuals in trial phase by Bee Network program.

In a significant move aimed at improving access to healthcare, leisure, and retail opportunities for those less able to travel by themselves, a month-long pilot project has been announced in Greater Manchester. The trial, which begins on August 1, 20XX, will provide free round-the-clock bus travel for 400,000 older and disabled people in the region.

The initiative is part of the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS), which also includes a pledge to keep the cost of travel as low as possible. The pilot was announced by Mayor Andy Burnham on July 9, 20XX, and is being carried out under the Bee Network, an integrated transport system operating in Greater Manchester.

The Bee Network prioritizes putting people first, and this pilot is no exception. The aim of the trial is to help residents get to medical appointments and take part in community life without unnecessary barriers. The pilot does not apply to regular bus fares; it is only for older and disabled people with a TfGM-issues concessionary travel pass.

Currently, members of the public in possession of a TfGM-issues concessionary travel pass are entitled to free bus travel between 9:30 and midnight during the week, and all day on weekends and public holidays. However, the new pilot will measure the impact of removing the pre-9:30 travel restriction on all buses within the region, offering free travel for older and disabled people 24 hours a day.

The trial is taking place in the United Kingdom and is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of older and disabled people in Oldham and across Greater Manchester. The Mayor of Oldham is proud that Oldham is part of the Bee Network. The trial is still within the scope of Transport for Greater Manchester's strategy to keep the cost of travel as low as possible.

The removal of early morning travel restrictions is expected to unlock opportunities and tackle inequality. The data and passenger feedback collected during the trial will be used to decide on making the scheme a permanent plan. The pilot will run for a month, and it is not expected to affect regular bus fares.

Mayor Andy Burnham expressed his excitement about the pilot, stating, "This pilot is about giving people the freedom to get out and about, whether that's to a hospital appointment, shopping, or meeting friends. It's about making sure that everyone in Greater Manchester can take part in community life without facing unnecessary barriers."

The Bee Network is committed to making transport more accessible and affordable for all, and this pilot is a significant step towards achieving that goal. The trial is expected to help improve the quality of life for many older and disabled residents in Greater Manchester, providing them with the opportunity to participate more fully in their communities.