Around 90,000 schoolchildren across Greater Manchester will benefit from free Bee Network tram travel from this month to help more young people go on educational school trips.
The scheme, delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester and supported by Aviva, aims to ensure that a pupil’s opportunity to experience Greater Manchester’s museums, galleries, theatres, green spaces and other destinations is not limited by the cost of travel.
School visits to cultural venues remain well below pre-Covid levels, with cost and transport often cited as barriers. Manchester’s Cultural Impact Survey recorded around 117,000 school visits in 2023/24 – about 20% down on the previous year – underlining the local challenge.
Schools had previously paid £1 per child and £2 per accompanying adult through TfGM’s ‘Kid for a Quid’ offer, with more than 40,000 children and around 5,700 adults travelling under this scheme*.
But this new sponsorship arrangement, which will run for 12 months from today (Monday 14th September), 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 also take place after 9.30am on a weekday or anytime on a weekend.
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.”
Tom Whiteside, Head of Sponsorship at Aviva, said: “Aviva is committed to supporting culture and creativity across the North West and is proud to support this partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester.
“Through our partnership with Aviva Studios, we see every day how the arts can inspire, connect and enrich communities. By helping more young people access the region’s vibrant cultural experiences, this initiative supports a more inclusive and connected Greater Manchester.”
Cultural leaders, education representatives, school groups and partners from across Greater Manchester came together to celebrate the initiative, which was launched at Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, on Friday 11th September.
The scheme supports the Greater Manchester Strategy ambition to widen opportunity and improve educational inclusion. It aims to help young people build confidence, skills and aspirations, while encouraging sustainable travel habits and greater confidence in using public transport.
The launch will also be supported by a specially wrapped Bee Network tram and Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop takeover, highlighting the role public transport can play in connecting young people to educational, cultural and outdoor learning opportunities across Greater Manchester.
Image credit: TfGM
