Manchester Trade Union Council has supported a call by transport workers in the city for free public transport.
Fare-free public transport would be “simpler and more attractive to use” and would reduce traffic congestion, declared a motion passed by the Council on 11 March. It would also “help tackle the cost of living crisis” and “reduce inequality, social exclusion, isolation and loneliness”.
The Council also said that zero-fares transport would:
- Make a major contribution to reducing Greater Manchester’s contribution to climate change, reduce air pollution and ticket litter;
- Reduce conflict between transport workers and the public;
- Allow resources to be redirected from ticketing and enforcement to more services and better customer service; and
- Lead to an increase in patronage. which could make an expansion of services and increased frequency viable.
The council resolved to support efforts by the Greater Manchester Transport of Unison to set up a zero-fares campaign in the city.
It also agreed to promote the pledge by councillors and candidates in the elections on 7 May, to use their platforms to promote the extension of free public transport.
Transport for Greater Manchester workers in both Unite and Unison last year took strike action against a pay settlement that would have cut their wages in real terms.
Manchester, like London, regulates privately-owned bus company via franchising. The city has also capped bus fares at £2, and in December last year extended free travel for older and disabled people, allowing them to travel free before 9.30am as well as after.
It is great news that the city’s transport workers, and trade unions, are now pushing the city to go further.
Photo caption
Manchester transport workers demonstrating for their pay to keep pace with the cost of living, on 30 October 2025. Photo from Manchester TUC facebook page.
Published date: 21st March 2026
