SIX MONTHS after the launch of discounted bus travel for 16-18 year olds in Wales the scheme is being hailed as a success.
More than 5,000 young people are benefiting from My Travel Pass, which entitles 16 to18 year-olds to a third off bus tickets anywhere in Wales.
17 year-old Leah Thornton-Lane from Llwynhendy says the Welsh Labour Government initiative has made a big difference to her and her friends. She told Labour’s Llanelli candidate Lee Waters: “Me and my mates use it on weekends because First Cymru scrapped its under-19 tickets. It’s been a great help in affordability for getting to work especially since the prices rose. It means that I can get to work, and up to Swansea to see friends, without feeling like I’m breaking the bank for a 15 minute bus journey.”
Welsh Transport Minister Edwina Hart says this scheme has been designed to help young people into work and education opportunities: “Travelling costs can sometimes be a barrier to young people accessing jobs and training opportunities in Wales. This simple scheme allows anyone aged 16, 17 and 18 to apply for a free pass online and get a third of their fares. I hope all young people in Wales will take advantage of this opportunity and apply for their pass.”
“This is a great scheme that Labour in Wales has led on. And I think we need to do more to make buses a practical option for people to make everyday journeys. The cuts to Council budgets are placing a great strain on buses, and some services have been withdrawn altogether. We need a radical change to the way we provide bus services in Wales. If I’m elected to the Assembly I’ll be pushing for a major overhaul”, said Lee Waters, Welsh Labour’s Assembly candidate for Llanelli. 16 to 18 year-olds: Apply online for a My Travel Pass online (Pic Natasha Hirst)
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