The Barnsley MiCard Travel Pass will be available to children and young people aged 5 to 18 years old living in Barnsley.
Children and young people can benefit from free bus travel anywhere within South Yorkshire, from 7am to 9pm, seven days a week, as long as the journey starts or finishes in Barnsley local authority area.
Anyone aged 5 or over will need a Barnsley MiCard to travel for free. Everyone in Barnsley who has a Zoom Under 16 or 16–18 Travel Pass issued prior to Sunday 22nd June 2025 will automatically receive a Barnsley MiCard through the post. If you don’t have an existing Zoom card, you'll need to apply online or via post.
Applications for Barnsley MiCard Travel Pass will open on Monday 7 July 2025.
You'll be able to use your Barnsley MiCard for free bus travel from Friday 1 August 2025.
Eligibility:
- Live in Barnsley
- Aged between 5 and 18
Apply for a card here
FAQ's:
What is Barnsley MiCard?
Barnsley MiCard is a bus travel pass, which from Friday 1 August 2025 will allow children and young people in Barnsley aged 5-18 free bus travel across South Yorkshire, as long as the journey starts or ends in Barnsley local authority area.
How will the bus driver know I can travel for free?
You will need a Barnsley MiCard that you will scan when you get on a bus. Failure to scan the card will result in you having to pay a bus fare. If you don’t have a Barnsley MiCard, you can apply online or by post to allow you to enjoy free bus travel.
How will the travel card work?
It will be a smart card similar to those currently operated by Travel South Yorkshire (Tickets and Passes - Travel South Yorkshire)that you’ll scan when you get on the bus in (or to) Barnsley.
Who can get a Barnsley MiCard?
Anyone under 18 and living in Barnsley can get a card. You’ll be able to use your travel card until 31 July of the school year you turn 18 or 31 July 2027 (whichever is soonest).
What about children under 5?
Children under the age of 5 travel free on the bus network in South Yorkshire and do not need a travel card.
When can I travel using my Barnsley MiCard?
Between 7am and 9pm, every day, from Friday 1 August 2025.
What journeys can I make?
Bus journeys starting or ending in Barnsley Local Authority area, for travel within South Yorkshire (e.g. Including travel to Meadowhall and back but not Meadowhall to Doncaster).
Can I share my Barnsley MiCard with someone else?
The travel card is for individual use and must not be shared.
Is there a charge for the Barnsley MiCard?
The pass is free. There will be a charge for replacement cards.
How do I apply?
Click here to apply online or by post.
When will applications open?
Applications will open on Monday 7 July 2025 to give families sufficient time to apply.
Can the card be used on trains or trams?
No. It can only be used on buses.
Does the Barnsley MiCard replace Zoom passes?
No. Barnsley MiCard is not replacing other passes.
What if I already have a Zoom Under 16 or Zoom 16 - 18 pass?
Use these passes when your journey starts and ends outside Barnsley to make use of the child fare.
What if I already have a Zoom Zero pass?
Continue to use your Zoom Zero pass to travel to and from schools as you do currently, as this gives you priority access to travel. Use your Barnsley Micard for any other journeys.
What if I already have an ENCTS Disabled Pass?
Continue to use your ENCTS Disabled pass as this already gives you access to free bus, tram and local train travel within South Yorkshire.
Will I be able to load tickets onto Barnsley MiCard?
No. Other tickets can’t be loaded onto the pass.
Can my Barnsley MiCard be revoked or cancelled?
Yes. If anyone is deemed to be abusing the privilege of being part of this innovative Pilot, be that through anti-social behaviour or failing to adhere to scheme rules, the administrators reserve the right to withdraw the travel card.
What about lost or stolen Barnsley MiCards?
Replacement passes will be issued by Travel South Yorkshire in line with the conditions of the scheme. There will be a charge of £7 for a replacement pass.
Why is this only available to people living in Barnsley?
This is a Barnsley Council scheme that is only available for people living in Barnsley during the scheme period.
What if I live outside Barnsley?
If you live outside of Barnsley but within South Yorkshire, you can check if you can get one of our other travel passes at Tickets and Passes - Travel South Yorkshire.
Can I use my Barnsley MiCard to travel outside South Yorkshire?
The pass is only valid for journeys made from or to Barnsley local authority area within South Yorkshire. You’ll need to pay the appropriate fare for any other journey made within or outside of South Yorkshire.
Who is paying for the scheme?
The scheme is being funded by Barnsley Council with an investment of £5 million, alongside additional funding of up to £1 million from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Why are you doing the scheme?
It is hoped that the scheme will help reduce financial pressures for families and enable children and young people in Barnsley to access opportunities in the borough and across South Yorkshire.
The scheme is part of Barnsley Council’s Great Childhoods Ambition - a borough-wide, collaborative approach to support all children and young people in Barnsley, providing them with the foundation for a successful future.
Conditions of use and code of conduct (PDF 185KB)
What you need to apply - full guidance