A range of new bus tickets have been announced today which travel authorities say will make transport easier and cheaper across Bolton and Greater Manchester.

The new Bee AnyBus and tram tickets will make combined bus and tram travel around 20 per cent cheaper, according to transport for Greater Manchester.

This comes with the network set to come to Bolton in a matter of months with buses coming under public control - the first in Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “We know that lower fares make a real difference to people, particularly in today’s challenging times, so I am delighted to be able to announce that not only are we extending the capped bus fares for at least another year.

"We are cutting the cost of travel even more with our new Bee AnyBus plus tram tickets, making multi-modal journeys 20 per cent cheaper from September than they are today.

The Bolton News: A Bee Network bus in BoltonA Bee Network bus in Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

“We are working to deliver a network for our millions of residents and visitors that is every bit as good as the one Londoners have, one that has frequent, reliable services and low fares, and it starts by bringing buses back under local control in three months’ time.

“With the potential to travel across the whole of Greater Manchester by bus for just £5 or as little as £7.80 with the entire tram network included too, the lower fares represent great value for money, particularly compared to the cost of travelling by car.”

The new fairs will mean passengers can travel to a chosen Metrolink zone for as little as £5.40, while unlimited travel on all buses and the entire tram network will cost just £7.80 off peak or £9.50 at peak times.

As part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester Combined Authority will be bringing buses back under local control in Wigan, Bolton and parts of Salford and Bury, with services to be operated by Go North West and Diamond from September 24 this year.

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Other boroughs will follow at later stages.

Mr Burnham said: “Cutting the cost of public transport benefits everyone and I want it to be a lasting and defining part of the Bee Network.

“That can only happen if more people use it, so my plea today is for everyone to get on board with us and help keep fares low.

"You'll be better off with the Bee Network.

“I would also like to put on record my thanks to Rail Minister Huw Merriman for his commitment to working with us to pilot a new way to pay on rail that will ultimately enable us to integrate certain key rail services in Greater Manchester into the Bee Network.”