Barnsley MiCard success is backed by early data, national recognition and young people’s voices

Comprehensive insights from a new data-driven reporting are starting to capture the real positive impact Barnsley MiCard is having on our children, young people and families across the borough. Backed by the feedback from those using Barnsley MiCard as well as the Local Government Chronicle, who have recently shortlisted the scheme for the best Public/Public Partnership Award, Barnsley MiCard is already celebrating success.

More sustainable journeys to college and school, more trips to see family and friends, and more chances to take part in what Barnsley and South Yorkshire have to offer, all without the familiar calculation of whether there’s enough money left for the bus home.

Since launching in August, over 17,600 children and young people have received a Barnsley MiCard, enabling over 1 million free bus journeys. Overall child and young people travel in Barnsley has risen by 63% compared with the same period last year, suggesting that free travel is doing more than shifting who pays the fare: it is changing how often young people use public transport take up the opportunities available.

That change matters most where transport costs can be a real barrier. In the first six months, 63% of all boardings took place in the borough’s three most deprived neighbourhoods. That is strong evidence that Barnsley MiCard is reaching families and communities who stand to benefit most from lower everyday costs and better access to services.

For Barnsley College student Eduard, the difference is both immediate and practical. “I use Barnsley MiCard nearly every day when I come to college or into Barnsley, and it’s made such a big difference. I’m saving around £10 a week and when you add that up over a month it really counts,” he said. This means Eduard can put that money towards things like savings or other essentials, instead of spending it on bus fares.

Joshua, who studies cyber security, described how even short journeys can add up. “It used to cost me £3 just to get from my house to college. Being able to do that for free is really helpful and it means I don’t have to worry if I’ve got enough money for travel,” he said. And beyond the savings, he says the scheme supports independence making it easier to get to college, appointments, get to lessons on time, and make sure he can get around independently.

Tom, who’s also studying at Barnsley College, has seen the benefits extend further. “I’ve seen first-hand how Barnsley MiCard helps students with additional needs and SEND. It gives them access to buses and public transport across the borough, so they can get into education when they need to, take part in extracurricular activities, and socialise with like-minded peers,” he said. 

The popularity of the 66 service between Barnsley and Elsecar, which has been the most travelled route so far, is one small snapshot of that growing confidence to move around the borough.

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said:

“Barnsley MiCard is a bold investment in our young people, helping them get to education and training, see friends and family, and take up opportunities without the cost of the bus fare getting in the way.

“With over 1 million free bus journeys made in the scheme’s first six months, we can see how quickly that support translates into real, everyday mobility. It’s about making sure every child and young person in Barnsley can have the best childhoods and helping make the greener choice the easier choice for everyday journeys.”

Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said:

“The Barnsley MiCard is already showing just how much difference we can make when we are ambitious, bold and creative. More young people are getting to college, visiting family and friends, and taking part in everything, Barnsley and South Yorkshire have to offer - without worrying whether they can afford the journey home. That’s exactly what freedom and choice should feel like.

“And we’re only getting started. We’re building the South Yorkshire People’s Network, a fully integrated transport system with people at its heart - cleaner, greener, safer and easier to use. The success of Barnsley MiCard is leading the way, but my ambition is for every young person in every part of our region to feel the same benefits. To build a People’s Network - a network that truly belongs to all of us.” 

Mayor Oliver Coppard has committed to extending free travel for all under 18s, with a wider ambition to roll it out across the whole region by summer 2027. The pledge forms part of his South Yorkshire People’s Network - a bold new vision and brand for the region’s public transport, representing a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation.

Bailey, an Engineering Technology Level 2 student from Barnsley College, addressed hundreds of stakeholders at the South Yorkshire People’s Network official launch at Sheffield City Hall on Monday 16 March. “For many young people, the cost of travel can be one of the biggest barriers to accessing education, training and work experience. The Barnsley MiCard has made a real difference for students like me and my friends, allowing us to travel to college and across Barnsley and South Yorkshire without worrying about the cost,” she said.

"For me, as an Engineering student, being able to travel easily means I can take part in work experience, industry visits and practical learning that might otherwise be out of reach. It means that we can say "yes" to opportunities that would have previously been difficult to commit to and look further afield than just on our doorstep for exciting opportunities.”

Bailey highlighted that it’s exciting to see that South Yorkshire and the Mayor are now going even further to make sure everyone across the region gets the chance to reach the opportunities they deserve.

The Barnsley MiCard scheme is being delivered in partnership between Barnsley Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), backed by a £5 million investment from the council and additional funding of up to £1 million from SYMCA.

Barnsley MiCard is part of our Great Childhoods Ambition programme, helping children and young people to feel connected, supported and able to access opportunities, whatever their background. Young people aged 5 to 18 who live in Barnsley can apply via Travel South Yorkshire website and Barnsley MiCard can be used Monday to Sunday between 7am and 9pm, as long as the journey starts or ends in Barnsley local authority area and is within South Yorkshire.