Revised bus fares to help commuters with cost of living pressures

Bus passengers could save almost £240 a year with new value product designed to help with cost of living pressures. 

The scheme will mean that bus users will see substantial savings starting in January 2025, with the introduction of new fare reductions and payment options aimed at easing finanical strain on commuters. 

Under the new plan, the cost of a weekly bus ticket will drop to £20, down from the current £21, and a 28-day pass will be reduced to £80 from £85.40. 

For those who purchase an annual Bee Network bus pass, costing £800, the savings become even more significant, with an option to spread the cost over a year through a credit union, at no extra charge.

Mayor Andy Burnham highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to make public transport more affordable and accessible. He said: "The introduction of this scheme means that passengers could save almost £5 a week on travel costs [with an annual pass], which is a significant amount when considering the current cost of living challenges."

The new fare structure, which will come into effect when all buses in Greater Manchester fall under local control in January 2025, also includes the launch of a 'hopper' ticket.

This ticket will allow passengers to take multiple bus journeys within an hour for the price of a single fare, providing further savings and flexibility for travellers.

In addition to the fare reductions, passengers will have the option to finance their annual bus pass through a credit union, allowing for weekly or monthly instalments without interest. This payment method is designed to make travel costs more manageable, especially for those on lower incomes.

Ciara Davies, head of Rochdale's Metro Moneywise Credit Union, praised the scheme for its potential to ease financial stress. She said: "For many, managing monthly expenses can be challenging. Knowing that your travel costs are covered for the year provides reassurance and one less thing to worry about."

The new payment plan, which includes affordability checks, ensures that only those who can afford the £800 annual pass will be eligible. Should a passenger's financial situation change, credit union managers will offer support, including the option to cancel the remaining portion of the pass if necessary.

Mayor Burnham also emphasised the importance of increasing bus patronage to maintain these low fares. "Our ability to keep fares low hinges on getting more people onboard. The more passengers we have, the easier it will be to sustain these affordable prices," he stated.

The announcement comes as recent surveys reveal that more than half of Greater Manchester residents are experiencing negative impacts on their mental health due to cost-of-living pressures. The new fare scheme is expected to provide some relief by making daily commutes more affordable.

As part of the Bee Network's rollout, the mayor remains committed to keeping the £2 adult single fare cap in place permanently, aiming to ensure that public transport remains an affordable option for all.

With these new measures, Greater Manchester is taking a significant step towards making public transport not only more accessible but also more affordable, helping residents cope with the ongoing financial challenges.

Ethan Davies, Local Democracy Reporter

Additional reporting: Rochdale Online