Sheffield councillors to vote on under-18s free travel scheme – BBC
Sheffield councillors will vote next week on a proposed pilot offering free bus and tram travel to children and young people aged five to 18. Supporters say it could reduce transport-cost barriers and improve access to education, training, work, leisure and social opportunities.
If approved, the scheme would run from 15 February to 5 September 2027 and be developed with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Eligible residents would use a dedicated smartcard; existing Zoom, under-16 and 16–18 passholders would receive one automatically, while others could apply online. The proposal will be considered by the council’s Strategy and Resources Policy Committee on 2 September and builds on Barnsley’s MiCard scheme.
- Sheffield may trial free bus and tram travel for under-18s.
- The pilot would run from February to September 2027.
- Councillors are due to consider it on 2 September.
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Sheffield is part of South Yorkshire, where local councils and the mayoral authority share responsibilities for transport. Buses and trams are used by young people to travel to school, college, training, work and other activities.
The proposal concerns fares for residents aged five to 18 and would use a dedicated smartcard. It is being developed with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and draws on Barnsley’s MiCard scheme, which provides free travel for young people there.
The issue matters because travel costs can affect whether young people can reach education, work and social opportunities. A pilot would test how free travel works in Sheffield and who uses it.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Free travel could make education, training, work and social activities more accessible for young people, especially those whose families find transport costs difficult. Supporters may also argue that a pilot would let the council assess the benefits and practical challenges before deciding whether to continue or expand the scheme.
The case against
Councillors may question whether the public cost of free travel is the best use of limited funds, particularly if some benefits go to families who could already afford fares. They may also want evidence that the pilot would meaningfully improve access, and clarity on its cost, delivery and what services or priorities might otherwise receive funding.