PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARE FREEZES AND CUT APPROVED

Published 13 November 2025 at 11:07am

South Yorkshire Leaders have unanimously approved a decision to freeze Supertram fares, and child concessionary fares across bus and tram, along with a cut to the long distance single Supertram fare. 

The decision was taken at a meeting of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board (SYMCA), chaired by South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, to support people with the cost of living and encourage the public back on public transport.

The approval means that from January 1st 2026:
•    Supertram fares will be frozen at their current rate.
•    The Adult Long Distance Supertram single fare will reduce in price from £3.40 to £3 - putting the cost in line with the national bus fare cap price.
•    The child concessionary fare across buses and trams will remain at just £1 per journey.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Last year, we brought the Supertram network back under public control, and from 2027 we're bringing the buses under public control too. That means the era of private operators deciding routes, timetables, and fares for profit is coming to an end. Instead, trams and buses will be run for the benefit of us here, in South Yorkshire.

“My mission is clear: to build a world-class, integrated public transport system and make sure it’s affordable. Rising costs are tough for everyone. That’s why, from January for the following year, we’re cutting the price of an adult longer-distance ticket from £3.40 to £3 and freezing the cost of all other Supertram fares. We're also freezing the child concession fare at £1 across bus and tram, supporting families to travel on public transport.”

“Public control means decisions that put people first. Whether you’re commuting, studying, visiting family or heading out for the night, we’re creating a transport network that works for all of us.”

Since Supertram was brought back into public control, work has started on a £110m investment by SYMCA into the existing tram network improving the track, the lines and the network, with a new tram-train stop at Magna in Rotherham due to be opened in early 2026. Initiatives including allowing dogs on trams, the fare freezes and reductions have also been introduced.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Our decision to freeze tram fares, and to cut them for some journeys, will help thousands of people in Sheffield who use the tram.
 
“We are moving forward to build a public transport system that works for all of us. Affordable low fares are a key part of that. That’s why I’m very pleased we are also freezing child concession fares across bus and tram to help families and young people.”

The cut in the cost of the Adult Long Distance Single Supertram fare applies to on-board purchases of single tickets. Passengers can also continue to make more savings on travel by purchasing multi-day tickets and using the TSY Mobile App where further discounts apply.

More information on the tram fare changes will be available to customers via Supertram social media channels and leaflets on the trams in the run up to January 1st.

The child concessionary fare was first introduced in South Yorkshire in 1984 and is now funded by SYMCA. Since November 2023 the price for a ticket has been £1 and the freeze on the fare applies across Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. 

In Barnsley, SYMCA is one of the partners, along with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, funding the MiCard pilot which currently offers free bus travel for children and young people aged 5 to 18, as long as the journey starts or ends in the local authority area and is within South Yorkshire. 

To date, child journey numbers in Barnsley compared to the same period last year have seen a 50 percent increase. The Mayor has an ambition to offer free bus travel to those aged 5 to 18 across South Yorkshire and the Barnsley pilot evaluation will inform next steps for the region.

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Barnsley MiCard is making a real difference for children and young people in our borough. With nearly 17,000 passes issued to date and a significant rise in the number of bus journeys made, it’s helping children and young people connect with friends and family, attend school, take part in activities and access a range of opportunities across Barnsley.

"This isn’t just about transport - it’s about independence, inclusion, and creating the foundations for great childhoods. By removing barriers and connecting communities, Barnsley MiCard is helping us deliver on our Great Childhoods Ambition programme, ensuring every child and young person in Barnsley has the best start in life and adulthood.

"Thanks to the approved fare freezes and reductions, public transport is set to become even more affordable and accessible for a greater number of people across South Yorkshire."

Over the past year there has been a slight fall in the number of children and young people using buses so initiatives such as freezing the concessionary fare and the Barnsley MiCard pilot aim to increase usage by opening up more travel options and opportunities.