Free bus – and tram – travel for long-term unemployed

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Transport leaders in Greater Manchester have welcomed a national initiative that will give long-term unemployed free bus travel for the whole of January in a bid to help them find work or access training.

Under the scheme, launched today by Greener Journeys, anyone presenting a Job Centre Plus Travel Discount Card will be able to travel for free on bus services operated by Arriva, First and Stagecoach, as well as cross-boundary services run by Network Warrington and Trent Barton.

In response to the initiative, Transport for Greater Manchester will be providing the same offer on the Metrolink network.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This is an encouraging move and one that we will watch with interest – anything that helps people who have been struggling to find work over a prolonged period should be welcomed and I certainly hope it makes a difference.

“I would encourage anyone eligible for a Job Centre Plus Travel Discount Card who has not yet applied for one to do so today so they are ready to reap the full benefits of this initiative before it gets under way on 1 January.

“I’m pleased to say we’ll be providing the same offer on the Metrolink network, which will open up even more travel options for card-holders in Greater Manchester.”