Saddleworth Parish Council Press Release
25th of February, 2026
SADDLEWORTH PARISH COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE
Date: 25/02/2026
Media release
Contact: enquiries@saddleworthparishcouncil.org.uk / 01457 876665
SADDLEWORTH PARISH COUNCIL WELCOMES GOOD NEWS FOR BUS PASS HOLDERS
At a full Parish Council meeting held on the 23rd February the Council unanimously welcomed the news that from March 1st 2026 bus pass holders will be able to use their passes prior to 09.30am.
Cllr Philip Gaul who raised the subject said "This is really good news for those that have a bus pass, in particular for disabled students who need to attend classes or lectures before 09.30" Cllr Gaul further added "most bus holders are aware of the change but few know it starts from Sunday March 1st and I hope that by raising it tonight it will increase publicity for the start date."
Other councillors supported the change with Cllr Kathryn Phillips (Diggle and Dobcross) saying "Transport for Greater Manchester should be commended for the change" and Uppermill Cllr Roger Blackmore said the change was "very positive"
Cllr Jeff Garner (Greenfield) noted that many Saddlworth residents will benefit from this initiative.
Cllr Gaul acknowledged that there are still issues with the provision of bus services in Saddleworth but this change together with the retention of the £2.00 single bus fare and the introduction of the bus hopper scheme means that bus users feel that at last they are being listened to by Transport for Greater Manchester.