Under-18s in Sheffield to get free bus and tram travel in 2027 to 'help with the cost of living'
“The cost of a bus or tram journey should never be what stops a young person getting to college, taking up an apprenticeship, joining a sports club or simply spending time with friends”
Children and teenagers are going to be granted free travel across Sheffield’s public transport services after a new pilot scheme was agreed for 2027.
Sheffield City Council approved the scheme on Wednesday, September 2, offering free passes to youngsters aged five to 18 from February 15.
Those aged under five are already granted free travel.
The scheme follows the example set in Barnsley, where similar plans were introduced in August 2025 and saw youngsters enjoy one million free journeys in the first five months.
Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council: “This is Sheffield Labour delivering on the promise we made to children, young people and families across our city.
“The cost of a bus or tram journey should never be what stops a young person getting to college, taking up an apprenticeship, joining a sports club or simply spending time with friends. This will give thousands of young people greater freedom and independence, while providing practical help to parents and carers with the cost of living.
“It is about tackling inequality and ensuring that a young person’s opportunities are not determined by their family’s income or where in Sheffield they live. It will boost our local economy and encourage greater use of sustainable public transport.”
Councillors approved funding of up to £8 million from its reserves to cover the costs of the seven month pilot scheme, with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) separately offering approximately £2 million of administration, management, pass-production and implementation costs.
Sheffield’s new scheme is set to run until September 5, 2027, when all under-18s across South Yorkshire will be offered free travel through a scheme from SYMCA, who are set to take public control of buses next summer.
“Sheffield is taking action now, but our ambition is wider,” Coun Belbin added.
“The pilot has deliberately been timed to take us to September 2027, when South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard is planning to provide region-wide free travel scheme for the same age group. That would allow young people to move from the Sheffield pilot into a regional scheme without a gap.
“This is an investment in our young people, in Sheffield’s families and in a fairer, better-connected and more sustainable city.”