Campaign Calls for Fare-Free Public Transport Across Greater Manchester

Trade union-backed initiative says free travel could tackle transport poverty, cut abuse of frontline staff and encourage more people to leave their cars at home.

A new campaign is calling for Greater Manchester to become the latest UK region to explore fare-free public transport, arguing that removing fares could improve social mobility, reduce congestion and create a safer working environment for transport staff.

Launched by Fare Free Greater Manchester, the initiative is backed by trade unions and campaign groups and is urging regional leaders to build on the success of the Bee Network by expanding free travel schemes and working towards universal fare-free public transport.

The campaign comes as Greater Manchester's integrated transport system continues to attract national attention following the rollout of the Bee Network.

Building on the Bee Network

Campaign organisers acknowledge the progress made since Greater Manchester began integrating buses, trams and active travel under the Bee Network banner, but believe the next stage should focus on making public transport accessible to everyone regardless of income.

Rather than introducing an immediate blanket abolition of fares, the group is advocating a phased approach that would include expanding existing free travel schemes, widening eligibility for concessionary travel and encouraging employers to provide travel passes for their workforce.

Campaign organiser and UNISON Transport for Greater Manchester officer Ian Allinson said the Bee Network had laid strong foundations for a more ambitious vision.

He said:

"I think a lot of us are quite pleased with the progress made with the Bee Network starting to integrate transport a bit more in Greater Manchester – now let's aim a bit higher as to how we can really move things forward.

"Fare-free travel could benefit transport users; it could benefit staff with more jobs from growing the network, it could even benefit car users from having less congestion on the roads.

"We could tackle quite a chunk of loneliness and isolation, it will be a step to tackling the cost of living, and it would improve lives fundamentally in many ways."

Learning from Other Cities

The campaign points to similar initiatives already operating or being promoted elsewhere in the UK and internationally.

Supporters highlight examples including Tallinn, Dunkirk, Belgrade and Albuquerque, where various forms of fare-free public transport have been introduced, while campaign groups are also active in cities such as London and Glasgow.

Speaking at the Manchester launch, Priyanka Khuarana from Fare-Free London said removing fares would help ensure transport was available to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.

She said:

"Our campaign brings together community groups, trade unions, environmentalists, and others who see the relevance of free public transport as a vision for London and across the UK.

"We want free public travel to be available for all, without excluding any group, because it opens opportunities up and gives people freedom.

"It opens the city to all, especially people who are impacted by transport poverty or people who are struggling to get to work because of transport costs."

Existing Free Travel Could Be Expanded

Greater Manchester already operates several concessionary travel schemes.

Alongside the Bee Network's capped bus fares and contactless tram ticketing, the region provides free city centre bus services and concessionary travel for eligible children, older people and disabled passengers.

Campaigners believe these initiatives provide a foundation that could be expanded over time into a broader fare-free transport system.

Reducing Conflict on Public Transport

One of the campaign's central arguments is that removing fares could also improve safety for frontline transport workers.

Supporters say disputes over ticket payments frequently act as a trigger for abuse and violence directed at drivers and other transport staff.

According to figures from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, reported incidents involving abuse and violence against bus staff increased by 61% between 2022 and 2025.

Allinson said fare disputes often sit at the heart of these confrontations.

"If you talk to staff working at a bus station, you'll hear that the majority of the violence they experience is from somebody who hasn't been able to get on their bus because they didn't have the fare.

"Then they get off the bus and they're kicking off; intoxication is involved as well, but it's usually the fare that's the trigger for that confrontation and that violence."

Campaign Looks to Build Political Support

Fare Free Greater Manchester is now planning to engage with councillors and local decision-makers to build support for its proposals across the city region.

While any move towards universal fare-free public transport would require significant long-term funding and political backing, campaigners believe expanding existing concessionary schemes could provide a practical first step.

They argue that a more accessible public transport network has the potential not only to reduce transport poverty and support economic growth, but also to encourage greater public transport use, cut congestion and improve the overall passenger experience across Greater Manchester.