Free travel for apprentices

Metrolink tram

Apprentices across Greater Manchester can now get free bus and Metrolink tickets to travel to work.

The pilot scheme has been jointly developed and funded by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship Hub on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in response to feedback from apprentices and their training providers.

Eligible apprentices, who often struggle with transport costs as they are not entitled to discounted travel, can now apply for a free 28-day travel pass valid on bus or Metrolink services across the region.

People who are interested in cycling to work can join the ‘Apprentice Bike to Work’ scheme, which offers apprentices access to free recycled bikes, cycle training and bike maintenance courses provided by TfGM.

The bikes also come with cycling accessories and safety equipment such as lights and helmets.

Apprentices from around 30 training providers across Greater Manchester have been invited to take part in the scheme, which will initially run until the end of March 2018. If the pilot is successful, TfGM and GMCA plan to roll out a longer-term travel offer for Greater Manchester apprentices.

All applications should be made through training providers to find out if apprentices are eligible. For more information about the scheme contact the TfGM Travel Choices team at access@tfgm.com