How many brass bands can you find in a single day this December? Where are the best city streets for Christmas lights? How many miles can you clock up on a day of cost free travel for seasonal socialising, shopping, and exploring?
“We want to help people explore the Outdoor City this Christmas, in a way that cuts their stress and makes them healthier and happier,” said Jack Windle, from Sheffield’s free BetterPoints public health and sustainable travel scheme.
“So we’re offering every Sheffielder the chance to get a free day of bus and tram travel to help them get out and about in Sheffield this December, without the stress and cost of car parking.”
The Christmas Travel Offer is a partnership between Sheffield City Council, SYMCA, BetterPoints and TravelMaster and it's running for its third year, he added.
“A third of the free tickets have been snapped up already, so if you’d like a free day of festive season travel please join in as soon as you can. You can validate it for use right up until the end of January - so even if you want to use it for the sales after Christmas, make sure you claim it now before they run out.”
Users of the free TravelMaster CityWide Day ticket can celebrate their festive trips on social media in three ways:
- Merry Mileage - how far can you travel in one December day? How many different free bus or tram trips can you fit in to explore your city?
- Tinsel Tourists - what seasonal surprises can you find across Sheffield over one Christmas day (and night)? If you’re a community leader or businessperson, or even a city councillor, let’s see what you can find to sing out about in your city?
- Advent Adventures - what are the best bus or tram routes to chill out at the city’s winter parks, woodlands, riversides and golden frame countryside, without the hassle of driving there and finding a parking space?
Tag @BetterPoints on Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn. There will also be an in-app survey asking people how they have used their ticket, with the best responses receiving a £10 Sheffield Gift Card.
BetterPoints has been running for over two years in Sheffield, with over 23,000 people joining so far. The free scheme, which continues into 2026, is funded by Sheffield City Council and supported by the local NHS. Everyone who lives, works or studies in the city can download the free app which measures walking, wheeling and public transport journeys, awarding BetterPoints for each trip, which can then be redeemed for vouchers for free hot drinks at more than 20 local cafes, or discounts at local retailers.
To take part in the scheme, new users can download the free BetterPoints app and then take a two minute travel survey to gain enough points straight away for the public transport voucher.
All data gathered is anonymous, but the information generated helps plan safer and more efficient sustainable transport measures. The scheme has already helped provide safer school walking trips in parts of the city, and is helping develop better routes to public transport hubs and other infrastructure to improve public health and safety. It’s also shown how South Yorkshire bus and tram users are walking enough during their travels to significantly benefit their health.
One of the organisations supporting BetterPoints is the city’s BID (Business Improvement District) and Jack Windle said the free day’s public transport offer would give Sheffielders from all over the city the chance to make a free trip to see this year’s spectacular 'Light Up Sheffield' display up until 14th December, where Sheffield Cathedral, Sheffield Central Library and Pound’s Park are lit up with projections inspired by the heritage and creativity of Sheffield.
“But there are any number of ways to make the most of winter Sheffield by bus and tram,” Jack Windle said.
“How about an early bus to the moors or fields on the city borders so you can run or stroll back to a suburban coffee shop to start your day? You could plan a few shopping trips to out-of-the-way local retailers, followed by a trip to town for a big shop and catch the lights before a nice meal and socialising or carol singing with some mates. Then you can do your socials on the bus home without a single moment of car parking stress in the whole day!”
- More info: https://sheffield.betterpoints.uk/stories/get-a-free-travelmaster-citywide-day-ticket
- Download the free app via the buttons or QR code below
