Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced the launch of a brand-new partnership with Aviva that will make Bee Network tram travel free for school groups of more than 10 children.
The initiative is expected to help 90,000 primary and secondary school-age pupils access learning opportunities, cultural experiences and destinations across Greater Manchester.
Delivered by TfGM and supported by Aviva; the scheme will run for 12 months starting today (Monday 14 September), and will allow schools to apply for free travel through the Bee Network website.
Groups of 10 or more will be eligible for the travel, which must take place after 9.30 on a weekday, or anytime during a weekend.
Previously, schools were asked to pay 1 GBP per child and 2 GBP per accompanying adult as part of TfGM’s ‘Kid for a Quid’ offer, with more than 40,000 children and around 5,700 adults travelling under this scheme to date.
With school visits to cultural venues currently remaining far below that of pre-Covid levels; cost and transport are cited as significant barriers, with Manchester’s Cultural Impact Survey recording around 117,000 school visits in 2023/24 – a decrease of roughly 20% down on the previous year.
The new scheme supports the Greater Manchester Strategy ambition to both widen opportunity and improve educational inclusion whilst helping young people to build confidence, skills and aspirations.
A number of cultural leaders, education representatives, school groups and partners from across Greater Manchester gathered to celebrate the initiative, which was launched at Aviva Studios on 11 September.
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:Too often, the cost of travel can prevent schools from taking part in the trips and activities that broaden horizons, spark ambition and bring learning to life. By removing that barrier, this partnership will open the door for thousands more young people to explore everything Greater Manchester has to offer.
From world-class cultural venues such as Aviva Studios, The Lowry and Oldham Coliseum Theatre, to some of our region's most-loved green spaces including Heaton Park, Sale Water Park and Wythenshawe Park, this initiative will help ensure that more young people can benefit from the experiences that enrich education, build confidence and create lasting memories.
The launch will be supported by a specially wrapped Bee Network tram and Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop takeover, which aims to highlight the role public transport can play in connecting young people to cultural and outdoor learning opportunities across the city region.
