More young people across Wales are set to benefit from reduced bus fares as the Welsh Government’s £1 bus fare pilot is extended to include all children aged 5 to 15 from today (Monday, 3 November).
Originally launched in September for those aged 16 to 21, the pilot scheme has already seen remarkable success, with almost a quarter of a million journeys made by young people taking advantage of the affordable fares.
The initiative aims to make public transport more accessible while supporting wider government efforts to reduce carbon emissions, tackle poverty, and promote greener travel habits. By expanding the scheme, ministers hope to encourage even more families to swap car journeys for the bus — easing household costs while benefitting the environment.
Under the scheme, passengers can travel for just £1 per single journey or purchase a £3 day ticket on any participating bus service. The pilot is set to run until August 2026. Unlike the 16–21 age group, children aged 5–15 will not need a mytravelpass to access the discounted fares.
Speaking at Merthyr Tydfil Bus Interchange ahead of a Cabinet meeting in the town later today, 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.”
Martin Gibbon, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Wales, also welcomed the move, saying: “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.”
The Welsh Government says the expansion of the pilot marks a further step towards its long-term ambition of creating a fairer, more sustainable transport network that meets the needs of every community in Wales.
