13,000 Kids Get Free Travel

Sheffield City Council has approved a 29-week pilot scheme for free bus and tram travel for children and young people aged 5-18, set to run from February 15, 2027. The trial is expected to cost £7.6m and will provide young people with greater independence and help families with the cost of living.

The pilot scheme has been developed with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, drawing on experience from Barnsley's MiCard scheme. This scheme saw passenger numbers increase, particularly in some of the most deprived areas, and will inform the new pilot.

Eligible children and young people will use a dedicated smartcard to access the free travel. The usage, journey patterns, cost, and impact on the transport network will be monitored to assess the success of the pilot.

Council leader Fran Belbin said the scheme would help families with the cost of living and give thousands of young people greater independence. The pilot has been deliberately timed to run until September 2027, when a separate scheme run by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard will provide a region-wide free travel scheme for the same age group.

## What happens next The pilot scheme will end in September 2027, and its success will be evaluated. If successful, it could pave the way for a wider rollout of free travel schemes for young people in the region.

The scheme's approval is a significant development for young people in Sheffield, who will now have greater access to education, employment, and social opportunities without the burden of transport costs. With the cost of living continuing to rise, this scheme could have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of young people in the city.