Across the UK, people seeking asylum are being forced into poverty and isolation by hostile policies designed to make life as difficult as possible. The asylum system is designed to isolate and dehumanise, so our work must both support those forced to navigate it and fight to transform it.
In collaboration with Change Lab at the University of Sheffield, City of Sanctuary Sheffield has been building a growing campaign to demand free bus travel for people seeking asylum. We believe everyone deserves the right to move safely, freely, and with dignity.
Why It Matters
People seeking asylum are banned from working and receive just £8.86 per week (correct as of July 2025) if they’re living in catered accommodation, such as the hotel ‘dispersal’ system used widely across South Yorkshire. That’s less than £1.30 a day, expected to cover travel, toiletries, clothes, snacks, and any other essentials.
Meanwhile, a single day bus ticket costs around £6.50. Just one return trip to the city centre can cost almost their entire week’s allowance.
We have seen from the community of people seeking sanctuary we work alongside that this means:
- People missing vital healthcare or immigration appointments
- English learners forced to give up classes
- Individuals unable to access support from organisations like City of Sanctuary Sheffield
- People becoming isolated, cut off from their communities
Access to transport is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
In Sheffield, we see every day how people seeking sanctuary enrich our city: as carers, students, volunteers, neighbours, colleagues, and friends. We know that when people are welcomed, they contribute creatively and help build thriving communities. When people are properly supported and included – to study, to work, to live in a stable home – they thrive. Safety turns into belonging.
Our Campaign
We launched the Free Bus Travel campaign in 2023 alongside Change Lab students. Since then, we’ve:
- Created and circulated a public petition
- Built relationships and support with Sheffield councillors and South Yorkshire politicians
- Attended community events and run outreach activities
- Hosted a powerful launch event in December 2024, with support from the One World Choir and an inspiring panel of speakers
- Continued to amplify the voices and experiences of people seeking sanctuary in our city
Now, with the South Yorkshire bus franchising scheme under way, we have a unique opportunity to push for real change. We’re calling on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to make free bus travel for asylum seekers a reality.
This Isn’t Just Possible, It’s Proven
Other cities are leading the way:
- Oxford ran a successful six-month pilot scheme in partnership with Asylum Welcome and Oxford City Council
- Scotland has committed to reinstating free bus travel for people seeking asylum by 2026, following strong cross-party support
- In Wales and London, local campaigns are gaining momentum
We are part of a growing national movement grounded in solidarity and collective action.
What We’re Calling For
We’re calling on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to pilot a scheme for free bus travel for people seeking asylum.
We want transport to be recognised as an essential right and for a key barrier to be removed so that people seeking asylum who live in our communities can access healthcare, legal advice, education and community support.
What You Can Do
You can email the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard ([email protected]), in support of the campaign
Together, we are fighting for a country where everyone can move freely and live with dignity.
