New free bus service from Manchester Victoria: six-week trial begins 6 May
02 May 2025
An exciting updating on commitment to sustainable, fair, and affordable travel for our university community.
Back in February, as part of our announcement of a new sustainable travel plan, the Environmental Sustainability team asked if a free bus from Manchester Victoria Station would be useful alongside the existing free service from Manchester Piccadilly. Your response was overwhelmingly positive, and since then they've been working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester to make it happen.
Between Tuesday, 6 May and Monday, 30 June, we're trialling free travel on the 41 bus for all staff members. Simply show your university pass to the driver at Manchester Victoria (Stop NU) and enjoy a free ride straight to campus. During the trial, the bus will:
- Be available any time of day during Bus 41 operating hours, Monday to Friday
- Provide easy access from Manchester Victoria to campus (and return)
- Be completely free—just show your university ID
We’ll be closely monitoring usage with TfGM to help inform conversations about trial extension and possible future agreements.
Further information on sustainable travel
For a limited period only we’re also offering some amazing incentives:
- 100 free minutes on the Starling Bank Bike (the yellow hire bikes) for all staff.
- If you’re a regular staff car parking user, we are also offering free one-month trials of unlimited train travel within a 90 mile radius of campus, and free unlimited tram travel within the Greater Manchester area.
For more details of these offers, please contact es@manchester.ac.uk.
This initiative was was informed by colleague feedback, because Your Voice Matters.
For further information on sustainable travel, including facilities and incentives for cyclists, wheelers, walkers, and runners, visit the Staff Travel site. You can also read our Environmental Sustainability Strategy to find out more about our commitment to sustainable travel.