Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said removing the restriction on concessionary passes on buses was “the right thing to do”.
He told the BBC the measure would cost between £2m-£5m.
“We believe it would be more than onset by the benefits it creates,” he said, citing missed appointments in the health service and those who look after family members.
“Just from a personal level, it will lift a lot of people’s lives, it will lift a worry off their shoulders,” he said.
He added that leaders in the area were “committed to making sure that travel remains affordable”.
When asked if the fare freeze was sustainable, he said there would be a need to review the fares “at some point”, but said it was not the right time.