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What time can I use my bus pass in Manchester?

The pass can be used anywhere in England between 9.30am and midnight, Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and public holidays. If you travel before 9.30am you will be charged the normal fare.



In Manchester, the usage times for your bus pass depend on the type of pass you have. Here’s a general guide:


1. English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) – Older Person’s (60+) or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

  • Weekdays (Monday–Friday):
    Travel is free from 9:30 AM until the last bus service.
    Before 9:30 AM, you’ll need to pay the normal fare.
  • Weekends & Public Holidays:
    Anytime, all day – no time restrictions.

2. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) igo Card (Young Person / Child)

  • igo (16–18):
    Half-fare travel at all times on buses, trams, and some trains within Greater Manchester.
  • igo (Under 16):
    Free bus travel at all times within Greater Manchester (with a valid igo card).

3. Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card

  • 50% off bus fares at all times during the validity period.

4. Apprentice Travel Pass

  • 30% off bus and tram travel at all times.

Important Notes:

  • Always carry your pass and show it to the driver/ticket inspector.
  • Check expiry dates – passes need renewing periodically.
  • Travel area:
    ENCTS passes are valid on local bus services across England, but time restrictions may apply outside Greater Manchester.
  • Trams (Metrolink):

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The Bee Network app also allows you to buy new tickets that allow you to use both buses and trams around Manchester. You can pay with either cash or a card, but you can also pay for a week's travel card (which you can upload to an igo card).

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If you are an eligible person aged over 60 and live in Greater Manchester you can apply for a national travel pass from Transport for Greater Manchester. The pass allows you to travel free on any local bus in England between 9.30am and 11.00pm, Monday to Friday.

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  • Manchester city centre free bus.
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  • Frequency - 7am to 7.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
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If you live in England or Wales In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you're 60, but only within London. In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.

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60+ London Oyster Photocard If you're over 60 but under the State Pension age and you live in any London borough, you can get a special Oyster card for free travel in the city on several different rail services. Many people get a 60+ London Oyster Photocard before they're entitled to a Freedom Pass.

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You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men. If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

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Make the most of contactless... You can pay for your ticket on the bus using contactless, either with a contactless-enabled bank card or via Apple Pay or Google Pay.

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Trains and trams tickets Free tram travel Travel free on Metrolink trams in the city zone if you have bought a rail ticket for travel from any Greater Manchester station to a city zone station (request a Metrolink add-on free of charge when purchasing your rail ticket).

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I'm over 60 - can I use my concessionary pass and travel for free? Unfortunately, English and Welsh National Concession passes, Railcards, and Rail Rover tickets aren't valid on megabus services.

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