Free buses in Greater Manchester
Free bus is a zero-fare bus system that operates in Greater Manchester. The system was first introduced in Manchester city centre in 2002, with three routes linking the city's major thoroughfares and stations with its main commercial, financial and cultural districts.
Optare Versa at Manchester Piccadilly station in 2019
Greater Manchester Transport Centreline bus on display at the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester
First Manchester Optare Solo on Manchester route 2 in October 2007
First Manchester Optare Solo on Manchester route 1 in October 2009
Transport for Greater Manchester
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is a local government body responsible for co-ordinating transport services throughout Greater Manchester in North West England. It is an executive arm of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the city region's administrative authority. The strategies and policies of Transport for Greater Manchester are set by the GMCA and its Greater Manchester Transport Committee (GMTC). The committee is made up of 33 councillors appointed from the ten Greater Manchester boroughs, as well as the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Manchester Metrolink TfGM owns Greater Manchester's light rail system, which includes over 64 miles of track and 99 stops across seven of the ten Greater Manchester boroughs.
Free bus TfGM owns the free bus service around Manchester city centre.
Commuter rail services Commuter rail services are provided by train operating companies (TOCs). TfGM subsidises local rail services and helps to fund station improvements across Greater Manchester.
Bus services Bus services in Greater Manchester are deregulated. TfGM owns and maintains bus stations, stops & shelters. It implements the System One multi-operator and multi-modal travelcards, and subsidises some fares, however this is being reversed by the new Bee Network, with the network being brought back under local control, with TfGM appointing franchisees to operate the services.
