Travel Passes Frequently Asked Questions
We've listed some of the frequently asked questions customers ask regarding travel passes:
General pass questions
A. If you live in South Yorkshire, you can check if you are eligible for one of our travel passes on each of the dedicated pass pages:
- I'm under 16 - Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass page
- I'm aged 16-18 - Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass page
- I'm aged 18-21 - Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass page
- I need to use public transport to get to school - Zoom Zero Travel Pass page
- I'm disabled - Disabled Pass page
- I'm a senior citizen - Senior Pass page
A. All applications must include full address details including house number/name, street and postcode. When applications are processed, address checking software will confirm whether the address given is within South Yorkshire.
A. Visit our 'What do I need to apply' page to see the full list of proof documents we accept and photo guidelines.
A. Paper application forms are available from our interchanges for customers who can't apply online. You can also find a printable copy of the application form to download on each pass page.
A. If you receive an email to say that your online application has been rejected, please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. No, SYMCA travel passes (with the exception of the Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass) are free but there is an administration fee (currently £7) to replace lost or damaged passes.
A. Your pass will be delivered to your home address that you specified on your application. This must be a South Yorkshire address.
A. Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18, Zoom Beyond 18-21, Senior and Disabled Person's Passes
The quickest way to apply for a pass is online. If you apply online we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days of receiving your completed online application.
If you apply by paper we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days of receiving your completed application form.
Council funded Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Applications submitted to your local council by 30 June will be processed and sent to your home address during August in time for the start of term in September. We will do our best to process any applications received after 30 June but we can't guarantee they will reach you before the start of term. Any applications submitted after the start of the Academic Year will be processed and sent to your home address within 10 working days of SYMCA receiving it from your local council.
Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If you apply for a Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass during August your pass will be processed and sent to your home address in time for the start of term in September. Any applications submitted after the start of the Academic Year will be processed and sent to your home address within 10 working days of receipt of your application.
A. All our plastic travel passes are smartcards, meaning you have to scan your pass on buses and Supertram.
Hold your pass on the reader near the driver’s cab as you board a bus or hold it on the card readers held by the Supertram conductors. Once the machine beeps, if you need to pay a discounted concessionary rate to travel just pay your fare as usual.
On bus and train services that don’t have smartcard readers, or if there's a problem scanning the pass, just show it to the driver or conductor as you normally would.
A. Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18, Zoom Beyond 18-21, Senior and Disabled Person's Pass
Your pass can be used as soon as you receive it.
Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Passes received during the summer can't be used until the first day of the new Academic Year in September. Passes received after the beginning of September can be used as soon as they are received.
A. Senior Pass
Your pass is valid for free travel on local bus services and trams, and half fare on Northern trains* within South Yorkshire between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays.
You can also travel for free on buses in all other parts of England between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays.
* Valid on trains only if your pass carries the Travel South Yorkshire logo.
Disabled Person's Pass
Your pass is valid for free travel at all times on local bus services, trams and trains* within South Yorkshire and also for travel on Northern train services* between South and West Yorkshire. Please note that your pass is not valid for train journeys wholly within West Yorkshire. Either your boarding or alighting station must be within South Yorkshire.
You can also travel for free on buses in all other parts of England between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays.
* Valid on trains only if your pass carries the Travel South Yorkshire logo.
Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18 and Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Passes
Your pass is valid for journeys made in South Yorkshire.
Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Your pass is valid between the boarding point and school stated on your pass and can be used from Monday to Friday up to 1900 (unless otherwise stated on the pass). It is valid on the days when school is open in term time only.
A. Sorry, SYMCA travel passes are only available to residents of South Yorkshire. Residents of other areas should speak to their local council to see if they will provide any help with travel costs.
Alternatively, you can visit the ticket pages on our website for details of tickets that don't require residence.
A. Please see below for more information:
Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass page
Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass page
Disabled Pass page
Senior Pass page
A. Senior Pass
You can travel for free on buses in all other parts of England between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays. (This pass is not valid on tram services outside South Yorkshire.)
Disabled Pass
You can travel for free on buses in all other parts of England between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays. (This pass is not valid on tram services outside South Yorkshire.)
You can also travel for free on Northern train services* between South and West Yorkshire. Please note that your pass in not valid for train journeys wholly within West Yorkshire. Either your boarding or alighting station must be in South Yorkshire.
*Valid on trains only if your pass carries the Travel South Yorkshire logo.
Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18 and Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Passes
Your pass is only valid for journeys made in South Yorkshire. The appropriate fare will need to be paid for any journey made over the county boundary.
Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Your pass is only valid between the boarding point and school stated on your pass. If your school is in another county, you will need to pay the appropriate fare for the part of the journey over the county boundary.
A. Take your pass to a Customer Service Desk at your local Travel South Yorkshire Interchange and ask a member of staff to check to see if the pass is faulty.
If it doesn’t scan, and there are no obvious faults with the pass (it is not bent, scratched, cracked or otherwise damaged), they will report it to our Contact Centre and it will be replaced free of charge. If the pass has obvious faults you will need to pay £7 for a replacement pass.
You can continue to show your existing pass to the driver/conductor until your new pass arrives.
A. Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18, Senior* and Disabled Person's Pass
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account and update your address.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
*Senior passholders can also complete the change of address form.
Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account and update your address.
If you received your pass automatically, or applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Council funded Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If you move house you will need to contact your local council to check that you still qualify for a Zoom Zero Travel Pass. If you do still qualify, the local council will inform us and a new Zoom Zero Travel Pass will be posted out to your new address. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If you move house you will need to contact us at zoomzero@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk. Please note that a change of address may result in an increase to the number of boardings and therefore an increase to the cost of the pass. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
A. Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18, Zoom Beyond 18-21, Senior and Disabled Person's Pass
If your appearance has changed since your pass was issued, you can send a new photo to passes@travelsouthyorkshire.com stating your full name, postcode and date of birth. Alternatively, you can post a new photo to:
Contact Centre
Traveline
11 Broad Street West
Sheffield
S1 2BQ
Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If your appearance has changed since your pass was issued, you can send a new photo to zoomzero@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk stating your full name, postcode and date of birth. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
A. Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18, Zoom Beyond 18-21, Senior and Disabled Person's Pass
If you apply for a new or replacement pass online, we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days.
If you apply by paper, we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days.
Please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 if you have still not received your pass after the above timescales have passed.
Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If you provided an email address when applying for your pass through the local council, but have not had an email from SYMCA confirming that they have received your application, you need to contact your local council.
If you have provided an email address when applying for your pass, you should receive an email from SYMCA to say that your pass has been sent for printing. If you have not received your pass 10 days after receiving that email, please contact Traveline on 01709 515151.
A. Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18, Senior* and Disabled Person's Pass
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
*If you purchased Pass Protection for your Senior Pass you will not be charged for a replacement.
Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you received your pass automatically, or applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
Zoom Zero Travel Pass
You can order a replacement pass by calling 01709 515151. Replacement passes cost £7 and will be posted to your home address by First Class post.
A. Stolen passes can be replaced free of charge if you have a Crime Reference Number from the Police.
Zoom Under 16, Zoom 16-18, Senior and Disabled Person's Pass
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account and apply for a replacement.
If you received your pass automatically, or applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. If you haven't received a verification email please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 where an advisor will be able to verify your account for you.
A. It varies from service to service. Please see our School Bus Operator Ticketing Guide for more details.
Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass
A. The quickest way to apply for a pass is online. If you apply online we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days of receiving your completed application.
If you apply by paper we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days of receiving your completed application form.
A. All our plastic travel passes are smartcards, meaning you have to scan your pass on buses and Supertram.
Hold your pass on the reader near the driver’s cab as you board a bus or hold it on the card readers held by the Supertram conductors. Once the machine beeps, if you need to pay a discounted concessionary rate to travel just pay your fare as usual.
On bus and train services that don’t have smartcard readers, or if there's a problem scanning the pass, just show it to the driver or conductor as you normally would.
A. Your Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass can be used as soon as you receive it.
A. You can use your Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass all year round to access discounted travel on buses, trams and local trains in South Yorkshire.
A. Your Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass is only valid for journeys made in South Yorkshire. The appropriate fare will need to be paid for any journey made over the county boundary.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account and update your address.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. If your appearance has changed since your pass was issued, you can send a new photo to passes@travelsouthyorkshire.com stating your full name, postcode and date of birth. Alternatively, you can post a new photo to:
Contact Centre
Traveline
11 Broad Street West
Sheffield
S1 2BQ
A. If you apply for a new or replacement pass online, we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days.
If you apply by paper, we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days.
Please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 if you have still not received your pass after the above timescales have passed.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
A. First you will need to apply for a replacement pass. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
SYMCA cannot replace your lost pre-paid ticket. Pleae contact the company you bought it from.
A. Stolen passes can be replaced free of charge if you have a Crime Reference Number from the Police.
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. If your pass is visibly damaged you will have to apply for a replacement. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
If there are no obvious faults with the pass (it is not bent, scratched, cracked or otherwise damaged) you can take it to a Customer Service Desk at your local Travel South Yorkshire Interchange and ask a member of staff to check to see if the pass is faulty. If it doesn't scan, they will report it to our Contact Centre and it will be replaced free of charge.
SYMCA cannot replace your pre-paid ticket. Please contact the company you bought it from.
A. SYMCA only funds children's concessionary fares for residents in South Yorkshire. The Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass is the acceptable proof that shows the driver/conductor your child is a resident in South Yorkshire.
No pass means full fare - if you don't have a pass you may be asked to pay full adult fare.
A. Your pass will be valid until 31 July of the year in which you turn 16. If you were born in August, your pass will be valid up to the day before your 16th birthday.
A. No, your pass will be valid until 31 July of the year in which you turn 16. If you were born in August, your pass will be valid up to the day before your 16th birthday.
A. With a Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass you can travel anytime, anywhere in South Yorkshire for 80p, on bus or tram, and half fare on local trains.
Check out the range of discounted tickets for young people which may work out cheaper if you travel regularly.
A. No, you can apply for a Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass at any time before your child's 11th birthday. The Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass is also available to children under the age of 11 if they look older or wish to benefit from having discounted tickets for young people loaded on to their pass.
A. From the age of 11 children are required to show the Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass as proof of entitlement to the concessionary fare. The Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass is also available to children under the age of 11 if they look older or wish to benefit from having discounted tickets for young people loaded on to their pass.
A. Not to travel to school because this pass is only valid in South Yorkshire. However, we’d still recommend getting a Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass so your child can benefit from discounted travel within South Yorkshire.
A. You can load pre-paid tickets on to your pass at the Ticket Vending Machines at your local Travel South Yorkshire Interchange. In addition, many local operators sell pre-paid tickets that you can load on to your pass. Check with your local operator for details.
A. No, you will need to apply for your Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass. You can apply by logging in to your MyTSY account (or creating an account if you do not already have one) from 1 May in the Academic Year in which you turn 16. More details can be found on the Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass page.
Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass
A. The quickest way to apply for a pass is online. If you apply online we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days of receiving your completed application.
If you apply by paper we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days of receiving your completed application form.
A. All our plastic travel passes are smartcards, meaning you have to scan your pass on buses and Supertram.
Hold your pass on the reader near the driver’s cab as you board a bus or hold it on the card readers held by the Supertram conductors. Once the machine beeps, if you need to pay a discounted concessionary rate to travel just pay your fare as usual.
On bus and train services that don’t have smartcard readers, or if there's a problem scanning the pass, just show it to the driver or conductor as you normally would.
A. Your Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass can be used as soon as you receive it.
A. You can use your Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass all year round to access discounted travel on buses, trams and Northern trains in South Yorkshire.
A. Your Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass is only valid for journeys made in South Yorkshire. The appropriate fare will need to be paid for any journey made over the county boundary.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account and update your address.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. If your appearance has changed since your pass was issued, you can send a new photo to passes@travelsouthyorkshire.com stating your full name, postcode and date of birth. Alternatively, you can post a new photo to:
Contact Centre
Traveline
11 Broad Street West
Sheffield
S1 2BQ
A. If you apply for a new or replacement pass online, we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days.
If you apply by paper, we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days.
Please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 if you have still not received your pass after the above timescales have passed.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
A. First you will need to apply for a replacement pass. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
SYMCA cannot replace your lost pre-paid ticket. Pleae contact the company you bought it from.
A. Stolen passes can be replaced free of charge if you have a Crime Reference Number from the Police.
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. If your pass is visibly damaged you will have to apply for a replacement. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
If there are no obvious faults with the pass (it is not bent, scratched, cracked or otherwise damaged) you can take it to a Customer Service Desk at your local Travel South Yorkshire Interchange and ask a member of staff to check to see if the pass is faulty. If it doesn't scan, they will report it to our Contact Centre and it will be replaced free of charge.
SYMCA cannot replace your pre-paid ticket. Please contact the company you bought it from.
A. All young people aged 16-18 living in South Yorkshire (your household probably pays council tax to Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham or Sheffield council) including those in apprenticeships or employment. Please see our date of birth chart, in the Eligibility section of the Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass page, to check if you are able to apply.
A. SYMCA only funds concessionary fares for residents in South Yorkshire. The Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass proves to bus drivers, tram conductors and ticket sellers that you are entitled to travel at a reduced cost on public transport.
No pass means full fare - if you don't have a pass you may be asked to pay full adult fare.
A. Your pass will be valid for up to two years and will have an expiry date of the 31 July of your second year in further education, apprenticeship or employment. If you were born in August, your pass will be valid up to the day before your 18th birthday.
A. No, your pass will be valid for up to two years and will have an expiry date of 31 July* of your second year in further education, apprenticeship or employment.
*or the day before your 18th birthday if you were born in August.
A. Unfortunately you will not be eligible for a 16-18 Travel Pass after the usual second year in further education, apprenticeship or employment. You can however, apply for a Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass. Please visit the Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass page for more details.
You can also benefit from age related discounted travel across South Yorkshire.
Visit our Student tickets page for information on other tickets available.
A. You can apply for a Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass from 1 May of the Academic Year in which you turn 16. If you turn 16 between 1 September and 30 April, you can continue to use your Zoom Under 16 Travel Pass and benefit from the 80p concessionary fare.
A. With a Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass you can travel anytime, anywhere in South Yorkshire for 80p, on bus and tram, and half fare on Northern trains.
Check out the range of discounted tickets for young people, which may work out cheaper if you travel regularly.
A. You can apply at any time for a 18-22 Discount Card which will be valid until the day before your 23rd Birthday. This card gives 15% discount against all advance purchases of full price TravelMaster products. Visit the 18-22 Discount Card page for more details.
A. You can load pre-paid tickets on to your pass at the Ticket Vending Machines at your local Travel South Yorkshire Interchange. In addition, many local operators sell pre-paid tickets that you can load on to your pass. Check with your local operator for details.
Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass
A. The quickest way to apply for a pass is online. If you apply for a pass online we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days of receiving your completed application.
If you apply by paper we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days of receiving your completed application form.
A. All our plastic travel passes are smartcards, meaning you have to scan your pass on buses and Supertram.
Hold your pass on the reader near the driver’s cab as you board a bus or hold it on the card readers held by the Supertram conductors. Once the machine beeps, pay your fare as usual.
On bus and tram services that don’t have smartcard readers, or if there's a problem scanning the pass, just show it to the driver or conductor as you normally would.
A. Your Zoom 18-21 Travel Pass can be used as soon as you receive it.
A. You can use your Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass all year round to access discounted travel on buses and trams in South Yorkshire.
A. Your pass is only valid for journeys made in South Yorkshire. The appropriate fare will need to be paid for any journey made over the county boundary.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account and update your address.
If you received your pass automatically, or applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. If your appearance has changed since your pass was issued, you can send a new photo to passes@travelsouthyorkshire.com stating your full name, postcode and date of birth. Alternatively, you can post a new photo to:
Contact Centre
Traveline
11 Broad Street West
Sheffield
S1 2BQ
A. If you apply for a new or replacement pass online, we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days.
If you apply by paper, we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days.
Please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 if you have still not received your pass after the above timescales have passed.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you received your pass automatically, or applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
A. Stolen passes can be replaced free of charge if you have a Crime Reference Number from the Police.
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to apply for a replacement.
If you received your pass automatically, or applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. All young people aged 18-21 living in South Yorkshire, including those in apprenticeships or employment.
A. SYMCA only funds concessionary fares for residents in South Yorkshire. The Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass proves to bus drivers and tram conductors that you are entitled to travel at a reduced cost on public transport.
No pass means full fare - if you don't have a pass you may be asked to pay full adult fare.
A. Your pass will be valid to the day before your 22nd birthday.
A. With a Zoom Beyond 18-21 Travel Pass you can travel anytime, anywhere in South Yorkshire for 80p, on any bus or tram.
Zoom Zero Travel Pass
A. Council funded Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Applications submitted to your local council by 30 June will be processed and sent to your home address during August in time for the start of term in September. We will do our best to process any applications received after 30 June but we can't guarantee they will reach you before the start of term. Any applications submitted after the start of the Academic Year will be processed and sent to your home address within 10 working days of SYMCA receiving it from your local council.
Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If you apply for a Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass during August your pass will be processed and sent to your home address in time for the start of term in September. Any applications submitted after the start of the Academic Year will be processed and sent to your home address within 10 working days of receipt of your application.
A. All our plastic travel passes are smartcards, meaning you have to scan your pass on buses and Supertram.
Hold your pass on the reader near the driver’s cab as you board a bus or hold it on the card readers held by the Supertram conductors. Once the machine beeps your journey has been recorded.
On bus and tram services that don’t have smartcard readers, or if there's a problem scanning the pass, just show it to the driver or conductor as you normally would.
A. Passes received during the summer can't be used until the first day of the new Academic Year in September. Passes received after the beginning of September can be used as soon as they are received.
A. Your Zoom Zero Travel Pass is valid between the boarding point and school stated on your pass and can be used from Monday to Friday up to 1900 (unless otherwise stated on the pass). It is valid on the days when school is open in term time only.
A. Your Zoom Zero Travel Pass is only valid between the boarding point and school stated on your pass. If your school is in another county then you will need to pay the appropriate fare for the part of the journey over the boundary.
A. Council funded Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If you move house you will need to contact your local council to check that you still qualify for a Zoom Zero Travel Pass. If you do still qualify, the local council will inform us and a new Zoom Zero Travel Pass will be posted out to your new address. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If you move house you will need to contact us at zoomzero@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk. Please note that a change of address may result in an increase to the number of boardings and therefore an increase to the cost of the pass. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
A. If your appearance has changed since your pass was issued, you can send a new photo to zoomzero@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk stating your full name, postcode and date of birth. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
A. If you provided an email address when applying for your pass through the local council, but have not had an email from Traveline confirming that they have received your application, you need to contact your local council.
If you have provided an email address when applying for your pass, you should receive an email from Traveline to say that your pass has been sent for printing. If you have not received your pass 10 days after receiving that email, please contact Traveline on 01709 515151.
A. You can order a replacement pass by calling 01709 515151. Replacement passes cost £7 and will be posted to your home address by First Class post.
A. Stolen passes can be replaced free of charge if you have a Crime Reference Number from the Police.
Please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. To find out if you qualify for a Zoom Zero Travel Pass you will need to contact your local council. You can find contact details on our local council contacts page. If you do not qualify for a pass funded by your local council, you can purchase one.
Please see the Zoom Zero Travel Pass - Private Purchase page for details.
A. A Zoom Zero Travel Pass is valid for one Academic Year - from the start of term in September until 31 July. You can use your pass from Monday to Friday up to 1900 (unless otherwise stated on the pass), on the days when school is open, in term time only.
A. Council funded Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Yes, you will need to apply to your local council each year to renew your Zoom Zero Travel Pass. You can find contract details on our local council contacts page.
Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Yes, you will need to apply to SYMCA to renew your pass each year. A reminder is normally issued in June before the expiry of the current pass.
A. Council funded Zoom Zero Travel Pass
Applications submitted to your local council by 30 June will be processed and sent to your home address during August in time for the start of term in September. We will do our best to process any applications received after 30 June but we can't guarantee they will reach you before the start of term. Any applications submitted after the start of the Academic Year will be processed and sent to your home address within 10 working days of SYMCA receiving it from your local council.
Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If you apply for a Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass during August your pass will be processed and sent to your home address in time for the start of term in September. Any applications submitted after the start of the Academic Year will be processed and sent to your home address within 10 working days of receipt of your application.
A. The Zoom Zero Travel Pass is valid on any bus or tram as long as it's a school day, and the young person is travelling between the boarding point and the school shown on the pass.
Having a Zoom Zero Travel Pass does not guarantee you a place on the bus/tram if it is full.
A. Yes, the Zoom Zero Travel Pass is valid on any bus as long as it's a school day, and the young person is travelling between the boarding point and the school shown on the pass.
Having a Zoom Zero Travel Pass does not guarantee you a place on the bus.
A. Yes, please visit the Zoom Zero Travel Pass - Private Purchase page for details.
A. You will need to get a Zoom Zero Travel Pass Extension card, these are available from your school. For permanent changes (eg change of address) please contact your local council.
A. Council funded Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If your child's Zoom Zero Travel Pass requires two different boarding points, please contact your local council. If the council approves the request they will contact SYMCA to ask that the extra boarding point is added to the pass. A new Zoom Zero Travel Pass will be posted out to your home address. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If your child's Zoom Zero Travel Pass requires two different boarding points, please contact us at zoomzero@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk. Please note that using a different boarding point may result in an increase to the number of boardings and therefore an increase to the cost of the pass. A new Zoom Zero Travel Pass will be posted out to your home address. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
A. Council funded Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If your child's Zoom Zero Travel Pass requires two different boarding points, please contact your local council. If the council approves the request they will contact SYMCA to ask that the extra boarding point is added to the pass. A new Zoom Zero Travel Pass will be posted out to your home address. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
Private Purchase Zoom Zero Travel Pass
If your child's Zoom Zero Travel Pass requires two different boarding points, please contact us at zoomzero@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk. Please note that using a different boarding point may result in an increase to the number of boardings and therefore an increase to the cost of the pass. A new Zoom Zero Travel Pass will be posted out to your home address. Once your new pass has been sent to you, the old pass will be blocked from further use.
Disabled Pass
A. The quickest way to apply for a pass is online. If you apply online we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days of receiving your completed online application.
If you apply by paper we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days of receiving your completed application form.
A. All our plastic travel passes are smartcards, meaning you have to scan your pass on buses and Supertram.
Hold your pass on the reader near the driver’s cab as you board a bus or hold it on the card readers held by the Supertram conductors. Once the machine beeps, if you need to pay a discounted concessionary rate to travel just pay your fare as usual.
On bus and train services that don’t have smartcard readers, or if there's a problem scanning the pass, just show it to the driver or conductor as you normally would.
If you are blind or visually impaired you are not required to scan your pass. You just need to show it to the driver or conductor so they can check your entitlement and see the special entitlement logo.
A. Your pass can be used as soon as you receive it.
A. Your pass is valid for free travel at all times on local bus services, trams and trains* within South Yorkshire and also for travel on Northern train services* between South and West Yorkshire. Please note that your pass is not valid for train journeys wholly within West Yorkshire. Either your boarding or alighting station must be within South Yorkshire.
You can also travel for free on buses in all other parts of England between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays.
* Valid on trains only if your pass carries the Travel South Yorkshire logo.
A. You can travel for free on buses in all other parts of England between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays. (This pass is not valid on tram services outside South Yorkshire.)
You can also travel for free on Northern train services* between South and West Yorkshire. Please note that your pass is not valid for train journeys wholly within West Yorkshire. Either your boarding or alighting station must be in South Yorkshire.
*Valid on trains only if your pass carries the Travel South Yorkshire logo.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account and update your address.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. If your appearance has changed since your pass was issued, you can send a new photo to passes@travelsouthyorkshire.com stating your full name, postcode and date of birth. Alternatively, you can post a new photo to:
Contact Centre
Traveline
11 Broad Street West
Sheffield
S1 2BQ
A. If you apply for a new or replacement pass online, we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days.
If you apply by paper, we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days.
Please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 if you have still not received your pass after the above timescales have passed.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.
A. Stolen passes can be replaced free of charge if you have a Crime Reference Number from the Police.
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. A newly issued Disabled Pass will generally be valid for five years unless your certificate from Social Services tells us to issue the pass for a shorter period.
The exception is that you can continue to have a Disabled Pass after age 66 if you are blind or partially sighted, or if you qualify for a pass that allows you to have a companion travelling with you free of charge.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen pass the expiry date on your new pass will be the same as on the pass you are replacing.
A. You can renew your Disabled Pass up to two months before your existing pass expires (or of course after your pass has expired).
If you are renewing a pass with the 'visually impaired' logo you just need to call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
If we previously told you that you can renew your pass without providing further proof of your entitlement you just need to call Traveline on 01709 515151.
If neither of the above apply to you, you will need to provide proof of entitlement just as you did to get your previous pass. It may take some time if you need to get your local authority to confirm that you're still entitled so we recommend you apply early!
A: If you have your new letter of eligibility from Social Services (or if we’ve told you we don’t need to see one) you can order your pass online or you can send your application with your new letter of eligibility to the address on the paper application form.
If you have changed your address since your last communication with us you will need to provide proof of your new residence. You will not be required to update your photograph unless your appearance has changed significantly since your previous photo was taken.
Once you have your letter of entitlement (or if you don’t need one) you can apply for a renewal up to two months in advance of the expiry date printed on your pass.
A. Anyone can accompany you as a carer. They do not need to be an adult.
A. No, if your carer attempts to use your pass when you are not present, it is likely to be withdrawn.
A. No. Although 'With Carer' passes are intended for severely disabled people who cannot travel unaccompanied, we recognise that some disabilities can vary in the extent to which they interfere with your mobility. At times when you can travel alone, you may do so using a 'With Carer' pass.
A. If you have a 'With Carer' pass, show it to the driver or conductor before scanning it and explain that your carer should travel free accompanying you.
Q. English National Concessionary Travel passes issued by other local authorities can be used on buses and trams in South Yorkshire. Unfortunately Scottish- and Welsh-issued passes are not valid.
Senior Pass
A. The quickest way to apply for a pass is online. If you apply online we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days of receiving your completed online application.
If you apply by paper we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days of receiving your completed application form.
A. All our plastic travel passes are smartcards, meaning you have to scan your pass on buses and Supertram.
Hold your pass on the reader near the driver’s cab as you board a bus or hold it on the card readers held by the Supertram conductors. Once the machine beeps, if you need to pay a discounted concessionary rate to travel just pay your fare as usual.
On bus and train services that don’t have smartcard readers, or if there's a problem scanning the pass, just show it to the driver or conductor as you normally would.
A. Your pass can be used as soon as you receive it.
A. Your pass is valid for free travel on local bus services* and trams, and half fare on Northern trains** within South Yorkshire between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays.
Use on trains applies only to South Yorkshire residents. Please note regarding 'half fare': for Northern trains scheduled to depart between 1601 and 1829 on weekdays, the Senior Pass fare is half of the Peak Fare for the journey being made.
In all other parts of England, South Yorkshire passes can be used for free travel on bus services between 0930 and 2300 weekdays and all day weekends and Bank Holidays.*
*Local bus services do not include booked excursions and long distance coach travel such as that provided by National Express or Megabus. They may also exclude some special services such as temporary shuttle buses.
**Valid on trains only if your pass carries the Travel South Yorkshire logo.
Hospital appointments before 0930
Stagecoach Yorkshire - Travelling to Hospital appointments before 0930
ENCTS concessionary travel pass holders can now travel to their Hospital appointments before 0930 free of charge on Stagecoach buses in South and West Yorkshire and Chesterfield.
Simply show your valid Hospital appointment letter (this must be for the day you are travelling) to your Stagecoach bus driver along with your ENCTS concessionary travel pass any time before 0930.
Unfortunately if you do not show your appointment letter before 0930 you will be charged full fare.
For more information on this offer visit the Stagecoach website.
A. You can travel for free on buses in all other parts of England between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays, and at any time during the weekend and on Bank Holidays. (This pass is not valid on tram services outside South Yorkshire.)
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account and update your address.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
You can also complete the change of address form.
A. If your appearance has changed since your pass was issued, you can send a new photo to passes@travelsouthyorkshire.com stating your full name, postcode and date of birth. Alternatively, you can post a new photo to:
Contact Centre
Traveline
11 Broad Street West
Sheffield
S1 2BQ
A. If you apply for a new or replacement pass online, we aim to dispatch your pass within 11 days.
If you apply by paper, we aim to dispatch your pass within 25 days.
Please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 if you have still not received your pass after the above timescales have passed.
A. If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
Replacement passes cost £7.*
*If you purchased Pass Protection for your Senior Pass you will not be charged for a replacement.
A. Stolen passes can be replaced free of charge if you have a Crime Reference Number from the Police.
If you have a MyTSY account, and used this to apply for your pass, you can log into your account to order a replacement.
If you applied by paper, you can call Traveline on 01709 515151 and speak to an advisor.
A. A newly issued Senior Pass will be valid for five years from the day we process your application or from the day you become eligible for the pass (in case you apply before you reach the qualifying age).
If you are replacing a lost or stolen pass the expiry date on your new pass will be the same as on the pass you are replacing.
A. Your new pass will be sent to you automatically and should arrive 4-6 weeks before your current pass expires. All you need to do is look out for it landing on your doormat.
A. If your Senior Pass has already expired you will need to apply for a new one, visit our Senior Pass page to find out how.
A. No, you do not generally need to provide a photograph to replace your pass. However, if you believe your appearance has significantly changed since your last application, you do need to provide a new photograph. Otherwise, you may be denied free travel on public transport.
We've provided guidance on photos we accept on our 'What do I need to apply' page.
A. No, Travel South Yorkshire concessionary passes are only available to people who are normally resident in South Yorkshire. We encourage you to apply in your place of residence.
A. English National Concessionary Travel passes issued by other local authorities can be used on buses and trams in South Yorkshire. Unfortunately Scottish- and Welsh-issued passes are not valid.