Manchester school children to pay flat bus fares

A system of flat rate school bus fares is to be introduced for children in Greater Manchester. 

The simplified fare structure will be introduced on all school services that are paid for by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) from Friday 1 September.

TfGM organises school buses in areas, and at times, when commercial bus operators do not provide such services.

The new flat fare will replace a system that has in place since 2011 whereby children are charged one of three different fares depending on the distance they travel. Now, children with igo passes will pay new single fare of £1.30. The new return fare will be £2.20 and the new cost of the school weekly ticket will be £7.00.

The fares are now higher, but TfGM said the changes are first increases to school bus fares in six years.

Howard Hartley, TfGM head of bus operations, said: “Our school bus services play an important part in TfGM being able to offer a fully inclusive transport system and although we accept that this will mean a slight increase in ticket prices for some children, the fares still represent good value for money, particularly the weekly ticket. 

“We have kept school services fares as low as we possibly can for a long time, with the last increase dating back to 2011. This new structure should simplify and streamline what was previously a complex fare system, making it easier to understand for drivers and parents and avoiding any confusion over distances travelled.”

A number of school buses have fares are set by the operator and these will be unaffected by these changes.

Full details on which services will be affected will be published on TfGM’s website before the start of the new school year.