Bolton Council’s Leader has welcomed news that eligible passengers can access free round-the-clock bus travel, following his public campaign.
Cllr Nick Peel, who has repeatedly called for Greater Manchester’s 24/7 free travel scheme to be permanently extended, believes the decision will make a real difference for thousands of Bolton residents.
Across the UK anyone over the state pension age, and passengers with disabilities, can travel by bus for free but only after 9.30am on weekdays.
Greater Manchester has twice trialled schemes to lift this restriction, and the move will now be made permanent from March next year subject to budgeting and consultation.
This was agreed earlier this month by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s cabinet, the decision-making body made up of all ten council leaders and chaired by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
It is joined by a raft of other policies designed to make public transport more affordable across the city region including fare freezes on buses and trams.
Cllr Peel said: “From speaking to residents, and from the feedback on my social media posts, I know how popular the trial schemes have been.
“The old system was unfair to anyone travelling early for work or volunteering, to visit friends or to attend an appointment.
“I have led the calls for 24/7 free travel to be made permanent and raised the issue directly in meetings with Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Alongside my Bolton Council cabinet colleagues, we are delighted this decision has now been confirmed.
“Together with fare freezes that keep public transports affordable for all, this is another great example of how our residents benefit from Bolton being an active and engaged partner in Greater Manchester.”