Concessionary tickets for public transport
There is a range of concessionary travel schemes which are competitively priced or free so these options should be explored before applying to us for support.
Our pass
Our pass is for 16 to 18 year olds who live in Greater Manchester. It gives young people free travel on local buses across Greater Manchester and half-price off peak 1 day and weekend travelcards on trams. The journey can be for any reason, not just getting to school or college.
The pass can be used from 1 September after a young person's 16th birthday until 31 August after their 18th birthday (or until their 18th birthday if this is 31 August).
There is a one-off administration fee of £10 to obtain a pass. Young people will need a passport style photo, proof of their date of birth and proof that they live in Greater Manchester.
For further information and to apply online, see our pass.
Scholar’s permit
Scholar’s permit is for 16 to 19 year olds who live in Greater Manchester. Card holders can pay for child fares on buses, trams and trains in Greater Manchester for travel to and from school or college.
Young people can only use the scholar’s permit in term-time, and only from Monday to Friday up to 9pm. It cannot be used at weekends or bank holidays, or for any other journeys except those which are to and from a school or college.
The pass can be used from 1 September after a young person's 16th birthday until 31 August after their 19th birthday (or until their 19th birthday if this is 31 August).
There is a one-off administration fee of £5 to obtain a pass. Young people will need a passport style photo, proof of their date of birth and proof that they live in Greater Manchester.
For further information and to apply online, see scholar’s permit.
System one travelcards
The system one travelcard scheme includes all the major local bus companies and can also be combined with tram and train travel. Concessionary tickets are available for 7 day and 28 day passes for young people up to age 21 or extended up to age 26 if they have a student ID card.
For further information, see system one travelcards.
Train travel
The 16-25 railcard offers considerable discounts over standard fares but other cheaper options may be available so always check with the operator.
For further information on railcards, see 16-25 railcards.
For further information on rail services, see national rail.
English national concessionary travel scheme
Disabled young people could be eligible for a pass that gives them free and low-cost travel in Greater Manchester and the rest of England. Depending on the disability, they could qualify for either a travel pass for disabled people or a travel plus pass for disabled people. The pass is free, and lasts between one and five years depending on your disability.
Within Greater Manchester travel pass holders can:
- travel for free on all buses and trams between 9.30am and midnight, Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
- travel for free on trains on journeys scheduled to run at or after 9.30am, Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
If pass holders travel outside of these times you must pay for a concessionary fare where available or otherwise the full adult fare.
If young people are registered blind or profoundly deaf without speech that can be readily understood they may qualify for the travel plus pass which permits free travel within Greater Manchester on buses, trams and trains at any time.
For more information, see travel passes for disabled people.