Aviva backs free Bee Network travel for school trips

Around 90,000 Greater Manchester pupils will benefit from free tram travel for educational trips under a new 12-month partnership between Aviva and Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM).

The scheme, which launched on 14 September 2026, removes the cost of tram travel for school groups of 10 or more travelling to destinations across Greater Manchester.

Schools can apply for free travel through the Bee Network website, with journeys eligible after 9.30am on weekends or at any time during weekends.

The initiative replaces TFGM’s previous ‘Kid for a Quid’ offer, under which children travelled for £1 and accompanying adults for £2. More than 40,000 children and 5,700 adults used the scheme.

Tom Whiteside, head of sponsorship at Aviva, said the insurer was “proud to support” the partnership as part of its commitment to culture and creativity across the north west.

He added: “By helping more young people access the region’s vibrant cultural experiences, this initiative supports a more inclusive and connected Greater Manchester.”

Opening access

This partnership with Aviva comes as school visits to cultural venues remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Manchester’s Cultural Impact Survey recorded around 117,000 school visits during 2023/24, a 20% decrease on the previous year, with transport costs among the barriers cited.

The partnership is intended to give pupils greater access to museums, galleries, theatres, green spaces and other educational destinations, while supporting Greater Manchester’s ambition to widen opportunity and improve educational inclusion.

Bev Craig, mayor of Greater Manchester, said the cost of travel too often prevented schools from taking part in trips.

“By removing that barrier, this partnership will open the door for thousands more young people to explore everything Greater Manchester has to offer,” he added.

The scheme will run for 12 months and is also intended to encourage sustainable travel and improve young people’s confidence in using public transport.