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Thu, 03 Sep 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 Free travel pilot scheme for young people approved

The 29-week scheme for those aged five to 18 will run from February and is expected to cost £7.6m.
Sheffield City Council has launched a pilot scheme offering free bus and tram travel to children and young people aged 5-18 across South Yorkshire. The 29-week trial, which begins on February 15th, 2027, will cost £7.6m and aims to alleviate the financial burden of public transport on families. Eligible residents will use a dedicated smartcard to access free travel. The pilot's success will be monitored, and its results will inform a region-wide scheme set to launch in September 2027, providing free travel for the same age group across South Yorkshire.