A brand-new annual bus and tram pass is set to debut next month, offering passengers unlimited travel at a cost of less than £5 per day.

This launch comes just weeks after a landmark transition that brought all buses in the region back under local control at the beginning of the year. It also follows bold plans to integrate Greater Manchester’s entire rail network into the Bee Network in the near future. Now, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is shifting its focus toward making public transport more affordable for commuters.

To enhance its existing range of Bee Network annual bus passes, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has unveiled plans for a new annual ticket that will cover both bus and tram travel. Set to launch in just over a month, this initiative aims to provide greater flexibility and convenience for commuters across the region.

Passengers who opt for the new annual ticket at launch can enjoy a 15% discount compared to purchasing 13 separate 28-day passes. The total cost will vary based on the number of Metrolink zones selected, ranging from a single zone to full coverage across all four zones.

Additionally, travelers will have the flexibility to pay either in monthly installments or as a one-time annual payment, with no extra fees. This option is made even more accessible through the support of a Credit Union loan.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) emphasizes that maintaining affordable fares is an essential component of the Bee Network. This initiative has only been achievable due to Greater Manchester’s historic move to regain control over its bus services—the first region in four decades to take this step.

In addition to the current Bee Bus annual pass, the newly introduced multi-modal annual ticket will complement the existing Metrolink annual travelcard, which grants unlimited tram travel across selected zones. It will also be available alongside the recently introduced £2 ‘hopper’ fare, allowing passengers to take multiple bus journeys within an hour, as well as the newly reduced seven-day, 28-day, and annual travel options.

The new ticket will be available from March 23, coinciding with the launch of the much-anticipated London-style transport system. This upgrade will enable passengers to seamlessly tap in and tap out on Bee Network buses and trams, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

As part of this initiative, a fare cap will be introduced, ensuring that daily travel costs do not exceed £9.50, while the weekly limit is set at £41 for unlimited bus and tram journeys across Greater Manchester. Off-peak travelers will benefit from even lower pricing, making public transport more affordable for all.

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