All Youth in Wales to Benefit from Discounted Bus Fares
Young individuals commuting by bus in Wales will soon enjoy reduced fares as part of a new initiative by the Welsh Government. Under this scheme, single bus fares are set to cost just £1, with the availability of £3 day tickets as well. The exciting pilot programme is tailored for individuals under the age of 21.
In conjunction with the unveiling of the Welsh Government’s budget for the fiscal year 2025/26, this move has been deemed as a progressive step towards offering affordable transportation options for the youth demographic. Amidst ongoing speculations surrounding the garnering of essential support from opposition parties, Labour has solidified an agreement with the Liberal Democrat MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, Jane Dodds. The final budget, now mutually agreed upon following deliberations, will undergo a formal vote on March 4.
Notably, the allocated budget includes £15 million earmarked specifically for the two-year bus pilot scheme set to be operational in 2025-26 and 2026-27. The primary objective of this project is to alleviate the financial strain caused by the escalating cost of living on young people across Wales. Several local councils, such as Rhondda Cynon Taf, have already trialled similar schemes with positive reception.
Citing budget constraints, some councils had to terminate bus services, particularly those designated for students commuting between home and school. For instance, Bridgend Council eliminated transportation provisions for students with safe walking routes to school. Embracing this proposed pilot, eligible individuals, inclusive of those utilising school transportation services, will benefit from the nominal £1 fares.
The Welsh Local Government Association, representing all 22 councils in Wales, anticipates that this initiative will foster a cultural shift towards public transport usage amongst young people. By nudging individuals away from reliance on personal vehicles, this scheme aligns with broader objectives to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion.
The existing single fare cap in England, set at £3, will mirror Wales’ new fare structure, ensuring no bus fare within the scheme exceeds £3. Furthermore, routes priced below £3 will observe incremental fare adjustments in alignment with inflation rates, preserving affordability for passengers.
In a parallel development, the Welsh Government has committed to introducing a bill aimed at revamping the public transport sector within the country and promoting sustainable mobility solutions. The forthcoming legislative changes underscore a concerted effort towards enhancing transportation accessibility and affordability for all Welsh residents.