Our Pass Benefits Young People and Local Businesses Across Greater Manchester

• Our Pass offers eligible 16-18-year-olds free travel on most local bus services across Greater Manchester and access to exclusive offers and discounts.
• Our Pass is funded by the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). It is delivered in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the Growth Company (GC).
• Figures show that young people and local businesses are benefitting from the scheme.

A travel and discount scheme for 16-18-year-olds in Greater Manchester is benefitting businesses across the region.

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, several independent retailers have increased their custom by supporting the Our Pass scheme.

Our Pass holders are eligible for free travel on most local bus services, making it easier and more affordable to access work, training, education, and leisure opportunities.[i] In addition, holders can access exclusive offers and experiences via the app, with discounts available upon presentation of the card at participating businesses.

An Ongoing Success

Since it was launched in 2019, more than 100,000 young people have signed up to Our Pass. The scheme currently has over 47,000 active users, with a particular focus on school leavers and care leavers.

91 percent of those surveyed said it had increased their levels of personal freedom. 86 percent said it had helped them take part in new experiences. 85 percent said it had made them feel more a part of Greater Manchester.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, commented: “It’s fantastic to see Our Pass benefitting individuals, families, and local businesses. It’s a win-win situation all round, and I’m glad to see our young people benefitting from the freedom and independence travel can bring, and businesses getting custom by taking part in the scheme.

“I would encourage everyone who is eligible to access the pass, download the app for additional offers and to take full benefit from the scheme. It’s a no hassle, no fuss way to travel; just a card that will get you where you want to go.”

Trafford: Code to Exit

Code to Exit is one of the local businesses in Trafford to benefit from participation in the scheme. The company’s founders, Zolan and Andres, said: “We have taken part in the Our Pass discount offers scheme as we want to make Code to Exist accessible. It’s a way for young people to try something new and different whilst learning new skills such as problem-solving.

“We now have regulars, they enjoy coming here, and this is something they may not have done if we weren’t part of the Our Pass programme. It’s also really enhanced the community spirit in this area. We are really glad we have taken part in this.”

Bolton: Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant

In Bolton, the Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant has recorded a positive uptick since adopting Our Pass. The firm’s secretary, Alisha Heathcote, explained: “We decided to work with Our Pass and provide an exclusive discount of 10% percent off any of our menu items for those with an Our Pass card.

“Not only are we diversifying our customer base, but we are also showing the young people of Greater Manchester what is available on their doorstep and allowing them to try new things and visit places they perhaps would never have thought to.

“We now have our usual customers enjoying their Pensioner’s Specials along with students quietly studying with their coffees and groups enjoying a meal out with their friends. We are seeing more and more young people visit us and working with the Our Pass scheme has been great.”

Bury: Wax and Beans

Bury record and coffee shop, Wax and Beans, has also reported encouraging results. Founder Ben Soothill said: “Since taking part in the Our Pass scheme more students are spending time here, our store is now perceived as a preferred location for students to meet, and their presence enhances the welcoming community feel.

“As a result, we have also experienced increased sales of our hot drinks, since we introduced an exclusive and discounted hot drinks menu, we have sold close to 2000 hot drinks to Our Pass holders.

“Beyond the financial impact, as a business we are very happy to be able to contribute to enhancing social skills of young people, knowing they can get discounted drinks at Wax and Beans encourages young people to go out more and meet others, which will keep developing their social skills and create healthy connections.”

Manchester: Managed Ice, Arena Group

Kelly Barker, a director at Managed Ice, Arena Group, added: “Skate Manchester are delighted to be able to support young school leavers and care leavers who have an Our Pass membership.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to offer a discount on ice skating and be able to see more young people across Manchester being able to enjoy something fun with family and friends across the festive season at an affordable price.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the joy on many faces this winter on the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens.”

Find Out More and Apply

Our Pass is funded by the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. It is delivered in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester and the Growth Company.

To find out more, apply for the pass, or support the scheme, visit the Our Pass website.   

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a mission to generate growth, create jobs, and improve lives. We provide employment services across Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire and Humber.

Get in touch today to find out more.

[i] To access the card, you can apply online for a one-off cost of £10. To be eligible to apply you must have turned 16 years old by 31 August 2023. The card can be used until the 31st August after you turn 18.