Transport

Access to affordable, reliable transport is essential for students to make the most of their time in Greater Manchester.

We’re working with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Transport for Greater Manchester and universities to ensure the region’s transport network genuinely serves students’ needs.

The Challenge

As rising housing costs push students further from campus, transport is becoming an increasingly important part of student life.

For many students, especially those who commute, travel costs are a significant financial burden.

While discounted bus travel is available through the Bee Network, there is currently no equivalent student discount on the trams.

This means some students can end up paying almost three times more to get to university simply because of their postcode.

The cost and reliability of public transport can have a direct impact on attendance and participation in university life, affecting not only academic performance but also social inclusion.

What We Want

The GMCA now has greater control over the region’s transport network than ever before, with railways beginning to come into public ownership in December 2026. This presents a major opportunity to create a system that better meets students’ needs.

Students in London benefit from discounted travel across multiple transport modes, and we want students in Greater Manchester to have access to similar support.

What We’re Doing

We’re working with transport partners and decision-makers across Greater Manchester to ensure student voices shape future transport policy.

Mayor Bev Craig told us that she would consider the introduction of an integrated student ticket covering buses, trams and trains.

We welcome this commitment and will continue advocating for meaningful student discounts across all forms of public transport.