In a transformative move set to redefine urban mobility, older and disabled residents across Bolton are now enjoying unprecedented freedom with their concessionary travel passes. A pioneering new pilot scheme, effective immediately, grants eligible individuals the ability to utilize their free bus passes at any time of day, removing previous time constraints and significantly enhancing their access to vital services and community life.
Historically, holders of these essential travel passes faced restrictions, primarily being limited to free travel only between 9:30 AM and midnight on weekdays, with full-day access reserved for weekends and public holidays. This meant many vulnerable individuals were often deterred from early morning appointments or activities due to the cost implications of peak-time travel, creating a barrier to crucial healthcare and social engagement.
This innovative initiative extends beyond Bolton, with approximately 400,000 residents across Greater Manchester poised to benefit from this round-the-clock bus travel. The expansion of free travel services is envisioned as a cornerstone in fostering greater connectivity, empowering a significant portion of the region’s population to navigate their communities with newfound ease and independence.
The removal of the 9:30 AM restriction means older and disabled people can now seamlessly integrate public transport into their daily routines, facilitating earlier hospital visits, morning shopping trips, and participation in community events without financial burden. Furthermore, a significant enhancement of this pilot includes access to the city’s night bus services, allowing free travel throughout the night for the first time, opening up evening social opportunities and extending the reach of accessible transport.
This pilot aligns directly with the broader objectives of the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS), which champions affordable travel and improved connectivity as foundational elements for a more integrated and accessible Bee Network. The GMS commitment to keeping travel costs minimal underscores a wider regional strategy to encourage public transport usage and streamline urban mobility for all residents.
Bolton Council leader, Cllr Nick Peel, articulated the aspirations for the scheme, stating, “We’re hoping to trial this scheme throughout August with the view to it becoming a permanent fixture based on what routes become most popular with residents.” This statement highlights the provisional nature of the pilot and the council’s keenness to assess its real-world impact before solidifying its place within the region’s transport framework.
The trial’s primary objective is to meticulously analyze the ramifications of lifting the 9:30 AM restriction on both peak bus services and those operating shortly thereafter. Data collection during this period will be comprehensive, encompassing passenger feedback, patronage trends, and detailed pass usage statistics. These critical insights will form the basis for an informed decision on whether to make this progressive move a permanent feature of Greater Manchester’s public transport system.
Echoing the widespread sentiment of optimism, Erica Woods, co-chair of the GM Older People’s Equality Panel, expressed profound excitement, noting, “We’re really excited for no more ‘twirlies’ this August on the Bee Network.” Woods powerfully underscored the practical and humanitarian benefits, explaining that financially challenged older people often depend on buses but have faced delayed healthcare due to inability to afford early taxis or restricted bus times, a critical issue this pilot aims to rectify.
