More than two million bus journeys have been made by young passengers across Wales since the introduction of a landmark £1 fare scheme last autumn.
A Boost for Youth Mobility
The Welsh Government initiative, which launched in September 2025, allows all young people aged between 5 and 21 to travel on any participating bus service for a flat fare of just £1 for a single journey or £3 for a day ticket. The full programme is scheduled to run for 12 months, concluding at the end of August 2026.
To fund the popular scheme, the government has allocated a total of £22 million over two financial years (2025-26 and 2026-27). This investment includes £15 million secured through a Budget agreement with the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds.
Breaking Down Travel Barriers
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, highlighted the scheme's impact during a bus trip from Llangollen to Wrexham. He stated that the cost of travel often acts as a significant barrier for young people, particularly in rural parts of the country.
"It’s fantastic to see so many young people taking advantage of cheaper bus fares," said Skates. "I am delighted that our investment is making travel as accessible and affordable as possible with the scheme already making a real difference to young people's lives across Wales."
Young Voices on the Scheme
The Transport Secretary met with young passengers who shared how the scheme has transformed their daily lives.
Avery Stridgen, 17, from North Wales, explained: "The £1 bus fare scheme has opened up more opportunities, enabling me to make and keep social connections and to get back and fore to college. I now use the bus more than I’ve done before and it’s because of these cheaper fares."
Liam Lennard, 17, from Prestatyn, added: "The new scheme has really helped me to get to and from work as I live in Prestatyn and work in Rhyl. My bus usage has increased under this scheme, and I hope to see this become a permanent arrangement."
Ongoing Monitoring and Future
All participating bus operators provide journey data to Transport for Wales (TfW), which is responsible for administering the scheme. This data confirms the milestone of two million youth journeys being reached in just a few months, demonstrating a substantial uptake and demand for affordable public transport among younger generations.
The scheme's success is now fuelling calls from some users and advocates for the low fares to be considered for extension beyond the current August 2026 end date.
