Sheffield City Council will consider a pilot offering free bus and tram travel to residents aged five to 18, aiming to remove transport-cost barriers to education, training, work and leisure. If approved, the scheme could improve young people’s independence and access to opportunities, including for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The proposed pilot would run from 15 February 2027, during the February half-term, until 5 September 2027, and has been developed with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Eligible children would use a dedicated smartcard; existing Zoom, under-16 and 16-18 pass holders would receive one automatically, while others could apply online. Councillors are due to consider the plan on 2 September.