Barnsley MiCard is a bus travel pass, which from Friday 1 August 2025 will allow children and young people in Barnsley aged 5-18 free bus travel across South Yorkshire, as long as the journey starts or ends in Barnsley local authority area.
How will the bus driver know I can travel for free?
You will need a Barnsley MiCard that you will scan when you get on a bus. Failure to scan the card will result in you having to pay a bus fare. If you don’t have a Barnsley MiCard, you can apply online or by post to allow you to enjoy free bus travel.
How will the travel card work?
It will be a smart card similar to those currently operated by Travel South Yorkshire (Tickets and Passes - Travel South Yorkshire)that you’ll scan when you get on the bus in (or to) Barnsley.
Who can get a Barnsley Micard?
Anyone under 18 and living in Barnsley can get a card. You’ll be able to use your travel card until 31 July of the school year you turn 18 or 31 July 2027 (whichever is soonest).
What about children under 5?
Children under the age of 5 travel free on the bus network in South Yorkshire and do not need a travel card (ID may be required to demonstrate they are under 5)
When can I travel using my Barnsley MiCard?
Between 7am and 9pm, every day, from Friday 1 August 2025. The pass is valid on buses that are scheduled to depart by 9pm. Check for any delays or disruptions before you travel using the Travel South Yorkshire Journey Planner.
What journeys can I make?
Bus journeys starting or ending in Barnsley Local Authority area, for travel within South Yorkshire (e.g. Including travel to Meadowhall and back but not Meadowhall to Doncaster).
Can I share my Barnsley MiCard with someone else?
The travel card is for individual use and must not be shared.
Is there a charge for the Barnsley MiCard?
The pass is free. There will be a charge for replacement cards.
No. Barnsley MiCard is not replacing other passes.
What if I already have a Zoom Under 16 or Zoom 16-18 pass?
Use these passes when your journey starts and ends outside Barnsley to make use of the child fare.
What if I already have Zoom Zero pass?
Continue to use your Zoom Zero pass to travel to and from schools as you do currently, as this gives you priority access to travel. Use your Barnsley Micard for any other journeys.
What if I already have an ENCTS Disabled pass?
Continue to use your ENCTS Disabled pass as this already gives you access to free bus, tram and local train travel within South Yorkshire.
Will I be able to load tickets onto Barnsley MiCard?
No. Other tickets can’t be loaded onto the pass.
Can my Barnsley MiCard be revoked or cancelled?
Yes. If anyone is deemed to be abusing the privilege of being part of this innovative Pilot, be that through anti-social behaviour or failing to adhere to scheme rules, the administrators reserve the right to withdraw the travel card.
What about lost or stolen Barnsley MiCards?
Replacement passes will be issued by Travel South Yorkshire in line with the conditions of the scheme. There will be a charge of £7 for a replacement pass.
I was automatically issued a MiCard but this was sent to an old address. What do I do?
I need to update the photo on my MiCard. What do I do?
If you need to update the photo on your Barnsley Micard, pleased send a new photo to the following address, stating your full name, postcode and date of birth:
Contact Centre
Traveline
11 Broad Street West
Sheffield
S1 2BQ
I've applied for a Barnsley MiCard and my order now requires verification. What does this mean?
This means your order has been received by the team and is in the queue for processing.
Can I use my Barnsley MiCard on school buses?
You can use your Barnsley MiCard on registered school services if your journey starts or ends in Barnsley and remains in the South Yorkshire region. For all registered school bus services in Barnsley please see the School and Colleges bus service information page.
However, if a school provides private transport themselves or via a third-party operator, you will be unable to use your Barnsley MiCard on these journeys. Parents/students should contact the relevant educational establishment for more details on these services.
What does it mean for me if my journey starts in Barnsley, but my end destination is outside of South Yorkshire, or visa versa?
If travelling across the county boundary, the pass is valid to the last bus stop before crossing the county boundary. You will be required to pay the appropriate fare for the remainder of their journey outside of South Yorkshire.
Likewise when returning, you will pay the appropriate fare to cross the boundary and the pass becomes valid for the remainder of the journey within South Yorkshire.
Why is this only available to people living in Barnsley?
This is a Barnsley Council scheme that is only available for people living in Barnsley during the scheme period.
Can I use my Barnsley MiCard to travel outside South Yorkshire?
The pass is only valid for journeys made from or to Barnsley local authority area within South Yorkshire. You’ll need to pay the appropriate fare for any other journey made within or outside of South Yorkshire.
Who is paying for the scheme?
The scheme is being funded by Barnsley Council with an investment of £5 million, alongside additional funding of up to £1 million from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Why are you doing the scheme?
It is hoped that the scheme will help reduce financial pressures for families and enable children and young people in Barnsley to access opportunities in the borough and across South Yorkshire.
The scheme is part of Barnsley Council’s Great Childhoods Ambition - a borough-wide, collaborative approach to support all children and young people in Barnsley, providing them with the foundation for a successful future.
