Free travel pilot scheme for young people approved
Summary
Sheffield City Council approved a 29-week pilot scheme to offer free bus and tram travel to children and young people aged 5 to 18 across South Yorkshire. The trial will start on 15 February 2027 and aims to help families with travel costs while giving young people more freedom to get around.Key Facts
- The pilot scheme will provide free bus and tram rides for young people aged 5 to 18.
- It will run for 29 weeks, from 15 February to September 2027.
- The expected cost of the pilot is £7.6 million.
- The trial uses a special smartcard for eligible users to track travel and usage.
- The scheme aims to support families with living costs and increase young people's independence.
- It is planned to end when a wider free travel scheme starts across South Yorkshire, led by Mayor Oliver Coppard.
- The pilot is based on similar successful schemes, like Barnsley’s MiCard, which boosted passenger numbers in poorer areas.
- The council will monitor the pilot’s effect on travel costs, usage, and transport system impact to decide its success.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
