Nearly 6,000 women can look forward to free travel in Greater Manchester thanks to the mayor's plans to boost concessionary pass hand-outs.

The original scheme to scrap bus, tram and train fares for some women was launched in April 2018 as part of Mayor Andy Burnham's vow to help those worst affected by the change to the state pension age in 2011.

The Women's Concessionary Travel Scheme was aimed at offsetting the later retirement age - which had also led to the loss of benefits like free travel.

It meant 14,000 women across the region born between October 6, 1953 and November 5,1954 - whose retirement age had increased by 18 months - became eligible for a pass.

Now, subject to approval by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this will be extended for women born between November 6, 1954 and April 5, 1955.

(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

These 5,650 women have seen an increase of between 12 and 18 months to their state pension age.

For £10, they will be eligible for free travel on buses, trams and trains in the conurbaton.

Mr Burnham said: "The changes to pensions caused a huge amount of stress, upset and worry to thousands of women across Greater Manchester.

"My original aim when I launched the Women’s Concessionary Travel Scheme pass was to bridge the travel gap for thousands of women – a small step to address the pension issue, but I hoped, a significant one.

“However, I knew more people were affected by the change, and I’ve continued to work with Transport for Greater Manchester to see if there was a way to help more of the women affected.

“I’m very pleased to announce that we are intending to extend the pass to over 5,000 more women.

"It means fairer, accessible, affordable travel for more people in Greater Manchester and I hope it’ll make a real difference to these women. I know more women are affected, but I think it is right to help those I can, even if it’s not all.

(Image: Transport for Greater Manchester)

"I have received no government funding to help do this, but if I did then we could extend the scheme even further.”

Subject to budget approval at the GMCA on February 14, the extension of the scheme to more women will begin in April 2020.

Trafford news We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in Trafford. To keep up to date with all that is happening in Trafford - and to join in the discussion - follow the page here. And you can also follow us on Twitter.

The WCTS pass entitles the holder to free off-peak travel on all local buses, Metrolink trams, and train within Greater Manchester between 9.30am and midnight, Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays. There is a fee of £10 for the pass.

TfGM has a dedicated web page for the WCTS, where people can find details of the current scheme and how to apply from April onwards.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram .

If you are on the go, the M.E.N. app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live. Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.

Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the week’s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.

Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.