Mi card

mi card is a brand new scheme for under-18s* living in Barnsley, allowing free** travel within the borough, free swimming at Barnsley Premier Leisure swimming pools, and it can also be used as a library card.

It gives younger people the chance to get out and about, meet up with friends, take advantage of leisure and educational opportunities across the borough, and all for no cost to them or their parents.

The free travel initiative is the first scheme of its kind outside London, and we believe it’s the first card scheme in the UK to combine all three elements.

• View mi card leaflet (requires Adobe Reader)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for a mi card?
Anyone under the age of 18 and who is resident in the Barnsley borough.

Where do I get an application form?
If you are still at school, you will receive an application form from there. These forms are currently being sent out and should be with you shortly.

If you have have left school you will need to collect a form from your local library. These will be available mid-March.

Where can I get another application form?
If you lose it or make a mess of filling it in you can request another from your school where there will be some spares, or go to your local library and collect another form.

What happens if my pass does not arrive?
The bulk of the cards will be sent out during the first two weeks of April, so you may not receive your card immediately. Processing will take place upon receipt of your application, but please do not call to check on the status of your application before 11/04/2009. If your card has been sent out, please wait another 48 hours to take any postal delays into account. If it still does not arrive, please contact 01226 775656 and we will issue a replacement.

What do I do if I lose my pass?
Go to the library and they will organise you a replacement pass. You will be charged £5 for the replacement pass.

Can anyone else use my mi card?
No. It is for your use only. There is a photo ID on your card that shows who the rightful user is. Any cards or photos that look like they have been tampered with will not be accepted and you will have to apply for a replacement.

When can I travel for free?
Under 16?
You can travel for free travel in Barnsley between 0900 and 2100 on weekdays (including Bank Holidays) and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. It also acts as a MegaTravel pass outside of the mi card times and areas*.

Aged 16 - 18?
You can travel for free in Barnsley between 0900 and 2100 on weekdays (including Bank Holidays) and all day on Saturdays and Sundays*.

My child is under 5 years old - do I need a mi card?
No. Under 5s qualify for free swimming and free bus travel without the need for a mi card.

Why does the scheme only start from 9am or why can’t my child travel free to school before 9am?
The intention of the mi card is to open up social, health and leisure opportunities for younger people who ordinarily might be disadvantaged by travel costs or distances, preventing them meeting up with friends, going swimming and so on.

It was never intended to widen the scheme to make travel to school free across the borough. This would go against our hard work in promoting healthier lifestyles where we have been working with schools to develop their travel plans. These are aimed at encouraging children – the majority of who live within easy reach of their schools – to do more walking and cycling where possible. Those who are entitled to free statutory travel to school will still receive it.

The 9am weekday start is consistent with packages for the over 60s which are already in place.

What happens when my card expires?
Your Megatravel/mi card will be valid up to the 31st July of the school year during which you reach 16 years of age (or up to the day before your 16th birthday if that falls in August). When this has expired you will need to call in at your local library and apply for an over 16s card. Please ensure you supply an up-to-date photograph. The over 16s card will entitle you to all the benefits of your previous card except the concessionary fares for onward journeys in South Yorkshire for travelling before 9am and after 9pm in Barnsley .

Conditions of use

If you would like to contact us with any comments or queries about mi card, please call us on 01226 775656, or email micard@barnsley.gov.uk.

For more information about our partners in the mi card scheme, visit South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Barnsley Premier Leisure.

* under-5s qualify for free swimming and bus travel without a mi card, so please do not apply.
**terms and conditions apply