Serving and former members of the military can travel for free on Metrolink and Bee Network bus services on both days of Remembrance this weekend. 

Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) offer will be available on Armistice Day on Saturday, 11 November and Remembrance Sunday on Sunday, 12 November as a gesture of thanks to war veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces. 

In addition, the Lancashire Fusiliers tram will display poppy wreaths in its drivers’ cabs on both days in tribute to military heroes past and present. All tram services will pause at 11am on Saturday and Sunday to observe a two-minute silence in line with commemorative events across the country.

Members of the Armed Forces already get free off-peak travel on Metrolink as part of TfGM’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“I’m proud that in 2014, GMCA became the first combined authority to sign the Armed Forces Covenant as part of our commitment to ensuring that no member of the military is placed at a disadvantage as a result of their service. 

“Members of the Regular and Reserve Armed Forces already have access to free transport on Metrolink as part of the Covenant and I’m pleased to confirm that this offer is extended to veterans and cadets on both tram and franchised bus services this weekend.  

“We live in challenging times and as we honour heroes of the past this weekend, our thoughts will also be with those caught in war and conflict around the world at present.” 

Free travel is available on Metrolink and Bee Network Buses, to any serving personnel in uniform, or with proof of a military ID card, veterans wearing medals or veterans' badge, and cadets in uniform attending remembrance services over the weekend. 

Bee Network bus services operate in Bolton and Wigan and parts of Salford, Bury and Manchester, where services have been brought under local control as part of the first phase of bus franchising in Greater Manchester. 

People travelling into Manchester city centre this weekend are advised to plan their journeys in advance, as there are some planned road closures and Metrolink services changes to accommodate Remembrance events. 

On Sunday, no trams will operate through St Peter’s Square from 10am until 12.30pm while the Annual Service of Remembrance takes place. 

Sean Dyball, TfGM’s head of customer experience, said:

“Remembrance events are taking place across Greater Manchester on both days this weekend and we have plans in place to ensure services run as smoothly as possible for all our customers. 

“We would encourage people to plan ahead for their journeys and allow plenty of time to get to their destination, whether that’s in the city centre or elsewhere across the city region. 

“Customers can check the Bee Network website, @BeeNetwork on Twitter/X and the Bee Network app for the most up-to-date transport information.” 

Information for armed forces members and veterans 

Free travel is available on Metrolink and Bee Network Buses, to any serving personnel in uniform, or with proof of a military ID card, veterans wearing medals or veterans' badge, and cadets in uniform attending remembrance services over the weekend. 

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that those who serve or who have served, and their families, are treated fairly.   

Full details of TfGM's commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant can be viewed here.Further details of Remembrance events and travel information can be found here.