The initiative is designed to remove transport costs as a barrier for young people travelling to education, training, work, leisure activities and social opportunities. It will operate across South Yorkshire and allow the council to assess the impact of free travel before a wider regional scheme begins.
A Trial Aimed at Improving Access to Opportunities
Sheffield City Council’s strategy and resources committee approved the scheme, which is expected to cost £7.6m. The trial will run from 15 February 2027 until 5 September 2027, with eligible young people using a dedicated smartcard travel pass.
According to Sheffield City Council, the proposal was developed with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and draws on experience from Barnsley’s MiCard scheme. That programme showed increased passenger numbers, particularly in some of the most deprived areas.
The free travel offer will include both buses and trams, following feedback from young people in Sheffield who supported having both forms of transport included. The council said the scheme is intended to help young people reach schools, colleges, apprenticeships, jobs, sports clubs, cultural activities and social events without transport costs preventing them from taking part.
Existing holders of Zoom, under-16 or 16-18 travel passes will automatically receive a new pass, while other eligible young people will be able to apply online through the MyTSY website. The council also said the scheme could support greater independence for some young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Monitoring the Impact Before a Wider Regional Scheme
The trial will collect information on travel patterns, usage, costs and the effect on the transport network. The data will be used to evaluate the results of the scheme and inform future decisions about young people’s travel.
Sheffield City Council leader Fran Belbin said transport costs should not prevent young people from attending college, starting an apprenticeship, joining a sports club or spending time with friends. She said the trial would give thousands of young people greater freedom to travel independently.
According to the council, the timing of the Sheffield scheme has been planned so it will run until September 2027, when a separate free travel scheme led by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard is expected to provide free travel across the region for the same age group.
Steve Kay, Director of Belonging at Sheffield City Council, said the pilot would allow the council to test the approach, understand its effects and listen to young people and families. He said the longer-term ambition was for free travel to become available to every young person across South Yorkshire.
The scheme forms part of wider transport plans focused on reducing barriers for children and young people. According to Sheffield City Council, the pilot will provide evidence about how free travel affects participation, independence and access to opportunities across the city.
