‘The Magic Bus was the £1 passport to Manchester for generations of students like me’ – Ethan Davies

Manchester: All you needed was a pound. Just a quid to dive into the vibrant nightlife and explore everything this city has to offer.

The Magic Bus was a lifeline for students like me, taking us from Didsbury to Fallowfield and right into the heart of the city.

But now, those days are gone. The Magic Bus has been replaced by the Bee Network, and its iconic look is a thing of the past.

Since January 6, the familiar yellow buses have taken over, and the old £1 tickets are history. Now, it’s a standard £2 fare for everyone.

For many of us, the Magic Bus was the go-to ride during our university years. It was cheap and reliable, making it easy to get around.

We’d hop on from places like Withington or Rusholme, and taxis? They were just too pricey for regular nights out.

But it wasn’t just the price that made the Magic Bus special. It was the people you’d meet. There were always some interesting characters on board.

I remember a guy who would bring live chickens in a box. He’d get off in Rusholme, where all the butchers are. Just wild!

And then there were the stories from older students about a man with rabbits. He’d pull them out of his backpack and let them sit next to him. Can you imagine?

Even late at night, the last bus would be filled with laughter and chatter after a night out. It felt like a little community.

Of course, eavesdropping was part of the experience. Listening to how others handled exam stress was always eye-opening.

Some would meditate, while others tried to cram in last-minute studying. And then there were those who claimed they didn’t need to study at all!

These memories are what we have left now that the Magic Bus has made its final trip. It’s a bittersweet end to a beloved chapter for so many of us.