The Greater Manchester Mayor and Combined Authority (GMCA) introduced a free bus pass for all 16- 18 year olds in Greater Manchester from September 2019. Our Pass provides young people, not only with free bus travel across Greater Manchester but also discounted access to events, free products and initiatives which support them to look at careers and work opportunities.
The GMColleges, have been very supportive of Our Pass recognising that concessionary bus travel for 16-18 year olds has the potential to increase social mobility, provide greater access to learning and tackle disadvantage across the city region.
GMColleges has been working closely with the Mayor, GMCA and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to ensure that the programme is successful and that our students gain maximum benefit as it is rolled out.
In order to prove the concept of Our Pass and demonstrate the commitment of GMColleges , individual GM colleges contributed additional funding to the first year pilot which was successfully launched in September 2019.
As of 31 January 2020, immediately before the pandemic, there were 38,200 active Our Pass cards in circulation about 60% of the eligible young people, with significant take up in colleges.
As we emerge from the pandemic GMColleges continues to work with the Mayor, GMCA and Transport for Greater Manchester to explore ways in which it can continue to support Our Pass and the many benefits it offers.
Want to know more about this project or want to get involved? Contact us directly…
Find out everything you need to know about Our Pass and see if you’re eligible apply to the scheme by visiting the website.
