Manchester bus passengers to be reimbursed for fare rises - mayor

More bus routes in Greater Manchester will enter local control next month

Compensation will be available for passengers who face higher ticket prices when more buses enter local control, a region's mayor has said.

Routes in Oldham, Rochdale, Bury and Salford will be added to Greater Manchester's Bee Network next month.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he was aware some weekly tickets would increase in price as a result.

He said a reimbursement scheme would be run so no passengers were left "out-of-pocket" after the changes on 24 March.

The phased return of buses from private to local control began under the Bee Network in September.

Reimbursement scheme

David Hopes from Blackley commutes to work in Leeds daily and is facing an increase in his weekly bus tickets under the changes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

His seven-day ticket, which he uses to travel to Victoria Station, currently costs £14.50 online, but that will increase to £21 after the second part of the Bee Network roll out next month.

It means his commute will cost at least 38% more in a few weeks for the same service.

"To that gentleman, I would say contact Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) because we will be running a reimbursement scheme", Mr Burnham said while speaking at an event to announce the second phase of the Bee Network rollout.

"I think there are some student fares on Oxford Road that are in a similar place.

"People in that position can make an application to TfGM, and we will look at it sympathetically.

"Our intention is not to leave anyone out of pocket, we are trying to save people money with the Bee Network.".

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