Children under 18 will be able to travel on buses in Sheffield, for free from 2027 as part of the new South Yorkshire People’s Network.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Public transport in South Yorkshire has been broken for too long.
“That’s why we’re putting in a huge investment to fix our public transport system.”
Free bus travel for under 18s was firstly introduced in Barnsley but there is a wider ambition to introduce it across the whole of South Yorkshire by summer 2027.
Lots of Sheffield residents and parents have taken to facebook to give their opinions on the new scheme.
Kathryn Atkin, Sheffield resident said: “We will never return to Sheffield’s two pence for kids 20 pence for adult tickets but I am pleased to see that we are encouraging young people to travel by public transport. Hopefully a cap on daily ticket prices for anyone over 18 may follow.”
Sandra Odelga said: “I am all for it. I also think it should be extended to include students and apprentices. Basically, all young people who aren’t on a full income yet.”
Not all the opinions on the scheme are positive though.
Lisa Norris said: “It can’t expand into Manchester let alone Sheffield.”
Megan Tyler Ward said: “It’s a step in the right direction but public transport should be free for all. We should be encouraging getting cars off the road and using cleaner travel options.”
The new South Yorkshire Network brand also includes an enhancement of the tram network and £350 million going in to reform South Yorkshire’s buses.
Mr Coppard said: “A proper public transport network gives people real freedom and choice about how they travel and move.”
Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership said: “We are creating great apprenticeships – but not the buses to get to them.”
The new scheme will definitely help those students who wish to travel further afield for work or apprenticeships.
Emma Needham said: “Scotland already offers it. It would help with kids travelling to college or higher education and to work and apprenticeships”
Sheffield City Council have been contacted for a comment.