Wales Extends £1 Youth Bus Fare Scheme to Children from November

The Welsh Government is launching a scheme to cap single bus fares at £1 for young people aged 16 to 21 starting September 1, 2025, with £3 day passes also available. This initiative will be extended to children aged five to 15 from November 2025, addressing earlier criticisms that younger children were excluded and could pay more than older teens. The scheme requires 16 to 21-year-olds to apply for a free mytravelpass by July 21 to qualify, while children aged five to 15 will not need a pass. The government has allocated £15 million for the initial phase and an additional £7 million to fund the extension to younger children, raising the total investment to £22 million. Officials expect widespread bus company participation and emphasize the scheme’s goals of improving access to education, employment, and leisure, while reducing poverty and carbon emissions. First Minister Eluned Morgan and Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates highlighted the scheme’s potential impact, especially in rural areas across Wales.