Children and young people across Greater Manchester, including those in Rochdale, will be able to use Bee Network buses without charge during August as part of the government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign.
Who is eligible and what changes have been made
The scheme allows anyone aged five to 15 to travel free on participating local bus services in England throughout August. On the Bee Network this applies across Greater Manchester with no registration or sign‑up required.
In addition, the region is bringing forward the start date for the Our Pass for 16‑year‑olds: instead of activating from 1 September, the pass can be used from 1 August, giving 16‑year‑olds an extra month of free bus travel and discounted tram journeys. Operators say under‑fives will continue to travel free on the Bee Network all year round.
“We’re pleased to be taking part in the Greater British Summer Savings scheme which will mean free bus travel on the Bee Network for everyone aged five to 15 in August. This will help make days out more affordable for families this summer,”
Fran Wilkinson, Customer and Growth Director at Transport for Greater Manchester, described the move as a way to make travel “easier and more affordable” and noted the decision to allow Our Pass to be activated early so “no young person in Greater Manchester will miss out.”
Practical implications for Rochdale families
The measure is intended to help families manage the cost of outings this summer. Children in Rochdale can use the free bus travel to access local amenities and regional attractions without extra transport costs — for example trips to parks, museums or to central Manchester.
- No application is required to use the free Bee Network bus travel for five to 15‑year‑olds in August.
- 16‑year‑olds should ensure their Our Pass is ready to activate from 1 August to benefit from the extra month.
- Under‑fives remain exempt from fares on Bee Network buses throughout the year.
| Age | Bee Network entitlement |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | Free travel year‑round |
| 5–15 | Free travel on Bee Network buses throughout August (no sign‑up required) |
| 16 | Our Pass activation moved to 1 August — extra month of free bus and cheaper tram travel |
Transport for Greater Manchester has framed the measure as complementary to the national scheme and part of the Bee Network’s wider aim to improve affordability and access to public transport. Parents and guardians in Rochdale should check existing Our Pass arrangements if they have 16‑year‑olds and be ready to activate the pass from 1 August.
Further details about participating services and any operator‑specific conditions will be available from Transport for Greater Manchester and local bus operators.
