Pensioners can use their free bus pass whenever they like under TODAY'S new changes
Under a new pilot, older people living in Bolton as well as those with disabilities, will no longer hae to wait until after 9.30am to take advantage of free travel.
Across Greater Manchester around 400,000 such people in Greater Manchester will benefit from round-the-clock bus travel as part of a new pilot, better connecting them to healthcare, leisure and retail opportunities.
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Currently those with a TfGM-issued concessionary travel pass have free bus travel between 9.30am and midnight during the week and all day on weekends and public holidays.
Today the pre-9.30am travel restriction will be lifted on a trial basis for a month on all buses.
As well as free early morning bus travel, it will mean older and disabled people will be able to board the Bee Network's night buses, all night, for free for the first time.
The plans were announced by Mayor Andy Burnham as part of the launch of the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS), the region's vision for the next decade to grow the local economy and ensure everyone can live well.
Included in the GMS is a pledge to keep the cost of travel as low as possible, improving connections and making it easier for people to use the Bee Network to get around.
Bolton Council leader Cllr Nick Peel said: "We're hoping to trail this scheme throughout August with the view to it becoming a permanent fixture based on what routes become most popular with residents.
"We have received feedback from residents about making GP appointments and visits, so these routes aim to provide flexibility here.
"I fully expect the trail to be made permanent at the end of the month and am in full support of these provisions for pensioners.
The trial is being held to look at the impact of lifting the 9.30am restriction on peak bus services and those shortly after 9.30am.
At the conclusion of the trial, the evidence gathered during it, including analysing passenger feedback, patronage and pass usage, will be assessed before a decision is made on whether the move can be made permanent.
Erica Woods, co-chair, GM Older People's Equality Panel said: 'We're really excited for no more 'twirlies' (Older people arriving 'too early' to use their bus pass) this August on the Bee Network.
'This is a great result for older residents and we can't wait to make the most of it.
'It's often older people with financial challenges that rely on buses and currently they can't get to essential health appointments, meaning that treatment is delayed or they have to use taxis that they can ill-afford.
'And it's not just older people that will benefit – we're shoppers, we're carers, we're volunteers. This pilot will really help us to unleash our potential.'
The trial is available only on Bee Network buses, NOT on trams and trains.
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