It may relate to the statutory child fare scheme that TfGM requires operators to participate in. As has been discussed at length about the national ENCTS scheme, this has a tendency to push up adult single fares, as that is what reimbursement is based on. If Manchester's child scheme is similarly underfunded, then operators may have responded accordingly.
Oh dear, seems rather short sighted if that is the case, the free-U18 fare scheme did strike me as a bit strange.
The scheme is designed to encourage good habits, in regards to public transportation. However, the clear barrier is that as soon as they hit 18, it will cost £5-10 to get there and back even within just Greater Manchester.
I was under the impression ENCTS offered free travel through at least a reasonable contribution towards the cost of the trips. It did strike me as unfair, having to pay so much to go to college (especially during rush hour) to continue my mandatory education. However, at one point I changed my mind based on the assumption it was just a wierd roundabout subsidy for bus travel, which benefits everyone.
If these schemes are just being funded through forcing operators into price gouging, this would seem a rather unfair, short term approach. I mean, these buses are lifelines for lower income working age folks, who are having to bear the brunt of funding free transport for likely a lot of economically better off over 65's and under 18's. Obviously youth mobility is important, as is tackling poverty in old age (and encouraging some older folk who probably shouldn't drive out of their cars...) but I think everyone would agree that councils should either properly fund the schemes or be honest and say the money isn't there, instead of forcing bus companies to gouge the rest of us on price, further accelerating the decline in use.
I don't use buses due primarily to price, I take the train because (somehow), its cheaper, if less convenient.