Green councillors in Sheffield are celebrating progress on a proposal to extend free bus travel for young people up to the age of 22.
They argue it could boost opportunities, cut costs for families and encourage more people to use public transport.
The proposal follows an amendment backed by the city’s Green group, after the party launched a national campaign in Sheffield last month.
Councillors say the policy could make a significant difference to young adults who are beginning to live more independently but often face financial pressures.
Gleadless Valley Cllr Marieanne Elliot said: “In an ideal world, public transport would be free to use for everyone.
“But as Greens we think it’s really important that free bus fares don’t just stop at 18. That age between 18 and 22 is really important.”
Cllr Elliot said many young people become more independent after turning 18, but often face low wages and rising living costs.
“There is that point where young people need to have more independence and often they are quite constrained by poor employment offers and generally the price of everything,
“So it’s an equaliser for people of that age to be able to travel for free. It opens up more opportunities and that benefits mental health, social life, job prospects and the economy.”
Young people are among the most frequent bus users in England. Government data shows people aged 17-20 make more bus trips than any other age group, averaging 94 journeys per year for males and 81 for females.
Supporters also point to similar schemes elsewhere. In Scotland, where free bus travel is already available for people up to 22, almost 799,000 children and young people are registered and took 7.9 million free journeys in March 2025 alone.
The proposal in Sheffield is currently a request for a feasibility study to assess how such a scheme could work locally.
Cllr Elliot said funding would be the biggest challenge, but suggested that South Yorkshire regional authority should seek government support.
She said: “I would say finances are the biggest barrier.
“I would suggest the regional authority ask the government for the funding, because this recommendation has come down from a parliamentary committee.”
Greens argue the move would also support climate goals, encouraging people to choose public transport while helping those without access to a car travel more easily.