More young people will benefit from cheaper bus fares across
Wales as the £1 bus fare pilot is extended to all 5–15-year-olds
from today (Monday 3 November).
The scheme, which was launched in September for 16–21-year-olds,
is already proving to be a success with almost a quarter of a
million journeys made by young people taking advantage of the
cheaper fares.
The extended pilot will not only provide more children and young
people with unlimited affordable bus travel to help them access
education and leisure but also help support the Welsh
Government's efforts to encourage more people to use public
transport, reduce carbon emissions and tackle poverty.
The pilot scheme, which offers single fares for just £1 and a £3
day ticket when travelling with any participating bus services,
will run until August 2026. Unlike those in the 16–21-year-old
age bracket, 5–15-year-olds do not need a mytravelpass to access
the cheaper fares.
Speaking at Merthyr Tydfil Bus Interchange, ahead of a
Cabinet meeting in the town later that day, First Minister,
will say:
"We are delivering on our promise to cut the cost of travel to
help break down barriers, because no young person in Wales should
feel cut off or isolated due to the cost of transport.
“This investment is already making a real difference to
communities all over Wales, but especially in rural areas.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, will say:
“I am delighted to be extending the pilot scheme to offer
affordable bus travel to more young people across Wales.
“We're already seeing an increased uptake in the number of young
people taking advantage of the cheaper fares and I look forward
to seeing this continue to rise now we've extended the scheme to
5–15-year-olds.”
Managing Director of Stagecoach South Wales, Martin
Gibbon, will say:
"We're delighted to see the positive response to this scheme.
Stagecoach South Wales is committed to making travel as
accessible and affordable as possible, and the scheme is already
making a real difference to young people's lives by connecting
them with opportunities and friends.
“We look forward to welcoming younger passengers onto our
services from today.”
Full details of the scheme and participating bus services are
available on the TfW website.
Notes to editors
The number of journeys recorded by all participating bus
operators are provided to TfW who are running the scheme.
The full scheme is running for 12 months across two financial
years (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
.
