TRAM bosses are saluting Greater Manchester’s servicemen and women by scrapping charges and allowing them to travel for free.

Timed to mark this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations on Saturday June 25, Metrolink will offer free travel to any in-uniform service personnel or reservist by them simply presenting their military pass.

Metrolink has traditionally offered free travel to service people on Armed Forces Day but the new arrangement means it will now be available on trams every day from June 25.

On Armed Forces Day itself, the free travel offer on Metrolink includes veterans, who should show their Veteran’s badge and ID card.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “There are a number of poignant military anniversaries this year, all of which underline the debt the nation has to our Armed Forces, so it was right that Metrolink should join other transport bodies in offering this small token of our appreciation.”

TfGM Chief Executive, Dr Jon Lamonte, is a former Air Vice-Marshal in the Royal Air Force.

“This covenant pledges us to a range of actions we will take to demonstrate how we will be a Forces-friendly organisation,” he said.

“Taking the tram is an ideal way for anyone, not just our servicemen and women and veterans, to enjoy the planned city centre events for Armed Forces Day.”

Armed Forces Day events for Greater Manchester will be taking place in St Peter’s Square, where Metrolink’s new-look stop is expected to open later this summer.

Organised by Manchester City Council, the free events take place between 11am and 4pm and more details are available online at the city council’s website.