More than 102,000 penalty fares have been issued on Greater Manchester's Bee Network in 2025 under an effort to stop fare evasion, including Bolton.
The bus and tram network introduced stricter ticket-inspection measures, which has seen users who do not pay for a ticket, travelcard, or tap-in with a contactless card face up to a £120 penalty fare.
Transport for Greater Manchester has increased the number of ticket inspections, with ticket checks taking place regularly on bus routes, including Bolton.
Bee Network staff also have the authority to issue penalty fare notices to those who fail inspections or charge fares directly to contactless cards presented.
Plain-clothes inspectors are also being used on trams in the crackdown on fare evasion.
Passengers are also being reminded to pay for tickets before they board to avoid costly penalties.
Contactless “tap and go” allows customers to use a bank card, phone or smartwatch, with fares automatically capped at the best value. Cash and card payments remain available for tram journeys.
Bee Network staff have the authority to issue penalty fare notices during inspections or charge fares directly to contactless cards presented.
Passengers in Bolton travelling by a Bee Network bus should check they have a valid ticket before boarding to avoid costly penalties.
