£1 bus fare pilot extended to 5–15-year-olds
£1 bus fare pilot extended to 5–15-year-olds
Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.
Almost a quarter of a million discounted journeys have already been made under Wales’ £1 bus fare pilot, which is now being extended to include all 5–15-year-olds.
From Monday 3 November, more young people across Wales will benefit from lower fares as the Welsh Government expands the scheme, first launched in September for 16–21-year-olds.
The pilot, which offers single fares for £1 and a £3 day ticket on participating bus services, will run until August 2026. Unlike those aged 16–21, children aged 5–15 will not need a mytravelpass to access the cheaper fares.
Ministers say the initiative will make public transport more affordable for families and support the Welsh Government’s wider aims to reduce carbon emissions, tackle poverty, and encourage more people to choose buses over cars.
Speaking at Merthyr Tydfil Bus Interchange ahead of a Cabinet meeting in the town, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “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 Ken Skates added: “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.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds welcomed the move, saying: “This shows what’s possible when parties put aside their differences and focus on practical solutions to make people’s lives in Wales fairer and easier.”
Martin Gibbon, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Wales, added: “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.”
Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials
Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast
