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Free bus and tram travel pilot proposed for Sheffield
Thousands of children and young people in Sheffield could be offered free bus and tram travel next year under an ambitious new pilot aimed at opening up access to education, training, work, leisure and wider opportunities across the city. If approved, the pilot would run from 15 February 2027, the start of the February half-term, to 5 September 2027 and will be focused on Sheffield residents aged 5 to 18. The proposal has been developed in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and builds on learning from the Barnsley MiCard scheme. It is designed to remove transport costs as a barrier for children and young people, helping them
get to school, college, training, apprenticeships, jobs, sports clubs, leisure activities, cultural opportunities, and social events more easily. It would cover both buses and trams, reflecting strong feedback from young people in Sheffield who supported the inclusion of tram travel as part of any future scheme. Eligible children and young people would use a dedicated smartcard travel pass. To make it easier for young people, those who already have a Zoom, under-16 or 16-18 travel pass, will automatically receive a new pass, while others would be able to apply online through the MyTSY website. The pilot could also support greater independence for some
children and young people with SEND and would complement the Council’s Freedom to Travel – Skills for Life programme, which helps young people develop the skills and confidence to travel independently. The report, which is to go before Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Policy Committee on 2 September, says the proposal supports Sheffield City Council’s ambitions to reduce inequalities, improve outcomes for children and young people, and create a city where all young people can participate, contribute and thrive. Steve Kay, Director of Belonging at Sheffield City Council said last week: “This is an exciting proposal that could
make a real difference to children, young people, and families across Sheffield. We know that transport costs can be a real barrier, making it harder for some young people to access education, training, work, sports, leisure, and social opportunities. “We’re already seeing in Barnsley how much of a difference free travel can make. It’s helping young people get to college, see friends and family, and make the most of opportunities without worrying about the cost of getting home. “If approved, this pilot would give thousands more young people in Sheffield that same freedom and choice, helping them travel more independently and take part in more of what the
city has to offer. “Importantly, this is a pilot, which means we can test the approach, understand the impact, listen to young people and families, and use that evidence to inform future decisions. “This is exactly what the South Yorkshire People’s Network is about: breaking down barriers and creating a transport system that puts people first. “And while this pilot is an important first step, the ambition is to see free travel available to every young person across South Yorkshire, so wherever they live, they can access the opportunities, independence and connections that come from being able to stay near or go far.”
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