Concessionary Travel

Rediscover your freedom with a Concessionary Travel Pass!

Whether you're catching up with old friends at Annie's Tearoom, or spending time with the grandkids at Alexandra Park, rediscover your freedom and enjoy free bus travel across Greater Manchester with a Concessionary Travel Pass.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our pages - Days out in Manchester with Vantage and Hidden gems in Oldham.

Got a destination in mind but not sure what bus to catch? Use our online Journey Planner by clicking here or download the First Bus App by clicking here.

Using your travel pass:

  • If you hold a Concessionary Travel Pass issued by Transport for Greater Manchester, you can use this to travel for free on any of our buses between 9:30am and midnight Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays.
  • If you hold a Concessionary Travel Pass issued by another local authority in England, you can use this to travel for free on any of our buses between 9:30am and 23:00pm Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays.
  • Outside of the times listed above, the full adult fare is payable for all Concessionary Travel Pass holders.
  • If you are a disabled customer with a Travel Pass and you travel before 9:30am on weekdays, you will be required to pay the normal concessionary (half price) fare in Greater Manchester and the full adult fare outside of Greater Manchester.

Concessionary Plus Pass

If you hold a Concessionary Plus Pass, you can use this to travel on any of our buses at any time. 

Find out more about your eligibility here.

FAQs

Am I eligible?
Anyone who qualifies for a state pension and lives in Greater Manchester can apply for the National Concessionary Travel Pass from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). The age when you qualify for a state pension is not the same for everyone and depends on the year you were born. Check your state pension age to see when you'll be eligible for free bus travel.  

How do I apply for my pass?
The Concessionary Pass is issued by TfGM. If you’re eligible you can apply by picking up an application form from any TfGM Travelshop. Once completed, return it to a Travelshop or to the freepost address included on the form. Once issued, the pass lasts for five years.

How do I use my pass?
Simply hold your pass against the ticket machine as your board the bus and wait until it beeps. Show your pass to the driver to confirm you're the authorised holder and take your seat. 

What if my pass doesn't work?
You can still travel - your driver will record your pass manually and issue you with a ticket.

What if my pass needs to be replaced? 
You should contact your card issuer to arrange for a replacement pass so you can go smart on future journeys. In Greater Manchester, you can telephone Transport for Greater Manchester on 0161 244 1050 or visit any TfGM travel shop.

Places to Explore:

Northern Roots:
Head to Northern Roots where you'll find the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park on 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham! Why stop there? With your Concessionary Travel Pass you can travel anywhere in Manchester…

Alexandra Park:
Make your way up to Alexandra Park to spend some quality time with the grandchildren. There’s plenty to explore with its very own boathouse-cafe, tennis courts, a heritage centre and a paddling pool! Get back into nature without having to worry about how you’ll get there.

Tommyfield Market:
If retail therapy is more your style, grab your bags and go shopping at Tommyfield Market. The market is home to over 115 businesses in their indoor and outdoor space. That’s more than enough to keep you entertained from morning to evening.