Greater Manchester school leavers set for big savings thanks to Our Pass

School leavers can now apply for Our Pass and save up to £1,600 on travel across Greater Manchester over the next two years.

Since it launched in 2019, more than 170,000 young people have benefited from the scheme, which provides unlimited free travel on Bee Network buses, discounted tram travel, and exclusive offers and experiences – making it easier to access work, education, training, and leisure opportunities.

Parents and carers should encourage the young people in their lives to apply now ahead of the autumn term so they can benefit, too.

Applications for Our Pass are currently open for this year’s cohort via the Bee Network app and website. Successful applicants will receive a digital pass on the app before 1st September to use on free unlimited bus travel across Greater Manchester. 

The new digital application process has made it easier for students to apply. For those who have applied for a physical smartcard, the process will remain unchanged from previous years.

In the last 12 months, Our Pass holders have enjoyed a wide range of exclusives, including everything from bargain discounts and free event tickets to leisure passes and new merchandise. Existing and new holders can access these benefits through the Our Pass Exclusives App by registering at ourpass.co.uk.

Commenting on the scheme, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Every young person in Greater Manchester should have a clear path to a good job in our growing economy.

“Geography and the cost of travel shouldn't be barriers to opportunity, which is why Our Pass is so important. It opens up the whole city region by bus and tram, so 16–18-year-olds can get to the college, apprenticeships and the work placements they need to succeed.

“So many young people have already benefitted from the freedom and independence that Our Pass can bring. If you’re leaving school this summer, get your application in, and start exploring everything Greater Manchester has to offer.”

Our Pass ambassador Sam Boffey added: “I would 100% recommend becoming an Our Pass member. Without Our Pass I wouldn’t be here today working at the BBC.

“It opened up me going to a college in Salford, then me getting the apprenticeship at BBC Studios, and I think it was the starting point.

“I just wish it carried on until my age now. For the people out there now, looking at what careers they want in the future, a 100% get yourself an Our Pass.

“My main message is don't let travel or cost be a blocker for you, Our Pass is there to support you.”

To apply for Our Pass in the 2025-2026 intake, applicants must live in Greater Manchester and be aged 16 or 17 on 31 August 2025. To ensure that their application is approved ready for the new term, young people should apply by Friday 15th August 2025.

For more information, visit the Our Pass website: https://ourpass.co.uk/