Bolton Council leader Cllr Nick Peel has welcomed a new policy that will allow eligible residents to use their concessionary bus passes for free travel at any time of day or night. The change is planned to take effect from 1 March 2026, subject to final budget approval and any required consultation, and will remove the region’s previous 9:30am restriction for older and disabled pass holders on the Bee Network.
According to Bolton Council, the permanent removal of the restriction is intended to help residents reach early medical appointments, perform caring roles and volunteer without paying full fares. The move follows successful trial runs on specific routes such as the V1 and 36, which served local residents during 24-hour pilot services.
By bringing bus services back under local control through the Bee Network franchising, regional authorities have been able to expand benefits beyond statutory national minimums. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says it is preparing the network and updating card readers so concessionary passes will be accepted at all times. Local leaders say the change is intended to support the local economy and help shift workers and those with early-morning commitments stay connected.
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