ELDERLY passengers will no longer benefit from free travel on tram and train services.

Pensioners across Greater Manchester are set to be charged for concessionary passes which allow off-peak journeys without a ticket.

It comes as plans go before the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) for a £10 annual fee which would apply to the Older People's Pass.

If approved, the charges will come into force from early 2020.

Bus travel will remain free and is covered by the government's English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

Stephen Rhodes, customer director at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), said: “Introducing an annual £10 charge for older people to access off-peak tram and rail services in Greater Manchester is something which has been considered extremely carefully and remains subject to approval by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

"The proposal being considered would not apply to people only wishing to travel by bus."

There will continue to be no costs associated with travel passes for disabled people.