Barnsley teenager says free bus travel for under 18's has given young people 'more opportunities'

The Barnsley MiCard travel pass was introduced back in 2025

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 17th Mar 2026

A student at Barnsley College tells us that being able to travel on the bus for free is allowing young people to 'fulfil their potential'.

The pilot scheme was introduced in the town last year.

17-year-old Bailey Hargate says it's changing lives for the better:

"Having the ability and opportunity to travel so I can go and do work experience has been so important for my future.

"This travel pass has enabled me to get to work experience on time and safely.

"I live near the Stairfoot area, so it would probably take an hour to walk into town, but with the bus it only takes 15 minutes at the most - so it's made a huge difference.

"It's given me and my friends so much opportunity, and I've saved a lot of money too."

By next summer - South Yorkshire's Mayor wants to make sure all under 18's in the region can use the bus for free.

The plans were unveiled yesterday by Oliver Coppard as part of the South Yorkshire People's Network vision.

It's designed to integrate the bus and tram network - as well as placing the system under public control.

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