A record number of young people are taking full advantage of the
new £1 bus fare scheme by signing up for a free mytravelpass.
The Welsh Government initiative, which is currently open for
16-21year olds, has seen a record number of young people apply
for a MyTravel pass with Transport for Wales receiving more than
26,000 new applications – a 38% increase - since the launch of
the scheme in July.
From next month (3 November) the pilot is being extended further
to offer the same reduced fares to all 5–15-year-olds. But unlike
16–21-year-olds, this age group won't need to present a
mytravelpass to the driver as proof of age.
The scheme offers unlimited affordable bus travel for young
people to help them access education, training, employment, and
leisure. It also helps to support the Welsh Government's efforts
to encourage more people to use public transport, reduce carbon
emissions and tackle poverty.
Single fares cost just £1 with £3 day tickets available too,
allowing young people to access unlimited travel with any
participating bus services.
Speaking at Rhyl bus station, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and
North Wales, said:
“I am delighted that the scheme is already proving to be popular
with young people across Wales.
“Cutting the cost of travel for young people is vitally important
in our ambition to provide better transport for all and encourage
more people to choose public transport.
“We know the scheme is making a real difference for
16–21-year-olds and with the pilot being extended to
5–15-year-olds next month even more young people will get the
chance to benefit from cheaper fares.”
Full details of the scheme and participating bus services are
available on mytravelpass | Home website.
Notes to editors
The scheme will run for 12 months across two financial years from
September 2025-August 2026.
The Welsh Government has provided a total of £22m over two
financial years (2025-26 and 2026-27) to support £1 bus fares for
all 5–21-year-olds, which includes £15m secured through the
Budget agreement with the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats
.
