Bee Network Becomes UK First as Our Pass Goes Digital with Apple Wallet

More than 50,000 young people across Greater Manchester can now travel using just their iPhone or Apple Watch after the Bee Network became the first UK transport operator to introduce a dedicated travel pass in Apple Wallet.

Greater Manchester has become the first region in the UK to offer a dedicated youth travel card through Apple Wallet, with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) launching a digital version of its popular Our Pass.

The move means eligible 16 to 18-year-olds can now access free bus travel and discounted tram journeys simply by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch, removing the need to carry a physical pass.

The rollout marks another milestone in the Bee Network's digital transformation as the region continues to modernise public transport and make travel more seamless for passengers.

A Simpler Way to Travel

Our Pass users can now add their travel entitlement directly to Apple Wallet through the Bee Network app.

Once activated, Express Mode allows passengers to tap their device against ticket readers without unlocking their phone, opening an app or authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, creating a faster and more convenient boarding experience.

The digital pass works across Bee Network bus services and on eligible Metrolink tram journeys included within the Our Pass scheme.

Supporting More Than 50,000 Young People

Launched in 2019, Our Pass was created to help young people access education, employment and training opportunities by removing barriers to affordable public transport.

Today, the scheme supports more than 50,000 young people across Greater Manchester, providing:

• Unlimited free bus travel across the Bee Network

• Selected half-price Metrolink tram fares

• Access to a range of discounts and exclusive local offers

The introduction of Apple Wallet integration is expected to make the scheme even more accessible while reducing reliance on physical travel cards.

Part of Bee Network's Digital Vision

The launch forms part of TfGM's wider ambition to create a fully integrated, technology-enabled public transport network.

Passengers who do not use Our Pass already benefit from the Bee Network's contactless tap-and-go ticketing system, where fares paid using Apple Pay or bank cards are automatically capped to ensure customers never pay more than the daily maximum.

The latest development further strengthens Greater Manchester's position as one of the UK's leading authorities in integrated transport technology.

Privacy Built In

TfGM said the new digital pass has been designed with security and privacy at its core.

Travel credentials are encrypted and securely stored within the device's Secure Element, while Apple does not have visibility of passenger journeys or transport transactions.

Should a device be lost or stolen, users can remotely lock or locate it using Apple's Find My service.

First of Its Kind

Fran Wilkinson, Customer and Growth Director at Transport for Greater Manchester, described the launch as an important milestone for both the Bee Network and public transport innovation in the UK.

She said making Our Pass available through Apple Wallet would provide young people with a quicker and more convenient way to travel while demonstrating the Bee Network's commitment to embracing new technology that improves the passenger experience.

As Greater Manchester continues to roll out the UK's first fully integrated public transport network outside London, the introduction of digital travel passes represents another step towards delivering simpler, smarter and more connected journeys for residents across the city region.