Free bus travel pilot for under 18s is coming to Barnsley

A two-year pilot that grants free bus travel to under 18’s in Barnsley has been unveiled today. 

This comes as part of Barnsley’s Great Childhoods Ambition that aims to support all children and young people in the borough by providing them with the foundation for a successful future. 

The pass will be available to anyone living in Barnsley aged 5 to 18 and enables them access to free bus travel from Monday to Sunday, between 7am and 9pm, as long as the journey starts or ends in the Barnsley local authority area and is within South Yorkshire. 

The pilot is being funded with an investment of £5 million by Barnsley Council alongside additional funding of up to £1 million from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Applications open on Monday 7 July 2025 with the passes being valid from Friday 1st August 2025. 

For information on how to apply and FAQ’s see Barnsley MiCard Travel Pass