**Controversy Erupts Over Welsh Government’s £1 Bus Fare Scheme for Under 21s**
The Welsh Government’s highly touted pledge to introduce £1 single bus fares for all young people under the age of 21 appears to have hit a stumbling block, with concerns raised that the scheme will not initially benefit all those who were led to expect cheaper travel. Instead, only older teenagers and young adults may see savings, while younger teens could face higher costs than their older peers.
Announced earlier this year as part of budget negotiations, the plan was hailed as a significant step towards affordable public transport for young people. The pledge was a key part of a deal brokered between the Labour-led Welsh Government and Welsh Liberal Democrat Member of the Senedd, Jane Dodds, whose support was crucial for passing the 2025-26 budget. Among the concessions secured was a commitment to fund a pilot scheme offering £1 single bus fares for those aged 21 and under, backed by £15 million of the deal’s £100 million total.
However, new developments have surfaced, casting doubt on the scope of the pilot’s intended impact. Fresh details reveal that, as things stand, the reduced fare will only be available to those aged between 16 and 21. This revelation has sparked concerns from politicians, campaigners, and families, who say that children aged 11 to 15—many of whom rely on public transport to access education and extracurricular activities—will be left behind.
Transport Minister Ken Skates confirmed in the Senedd this week that negotiations with bus companies are ongoing and that the government hopes to reach an inclusive agreement before the scheme’s expected launch in September. Mr. Skates acknowledged the unexpected limitation, saying that “negotiations are ongoing regarding young people aged between five and 15, negotiations with the industry itself,” and emphasising that introducing young people to public transport at an early age is “absolutely vital” for encouraging lasting behavioural change around modal transport choices.
Despite government optimism, Opposition politicians have criticised the situation, labelling the policy “botched”. Plaid Cymru’s transport spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths, noted that under the current proposal, younger teens could end up paying more for the same journey than their older counterparts—a discrepancy that undermines the principle of fairness. For context, while the flat £1 fare would be a saving in cities like Cardiff and Newport, current fares for youths can be as much as £1.70, and in Swansea, prices fluctuate between £1.10 and £2.
During questioning in the Senedd, Mr. Skates reiterated the government’s intention to resolve the issue, stating, “Ideally, bus operators will at least contribute to reducing the cost of fares for under-16s, but this is yet to be confirmed and that’s why the negotiations are ongoing.” His aim is to secure an agreement before the scheme formally commences.
At present, official figures on the number of bus users aged 11 to 15 in Wales are not held by the Welsh Government, making it challenging to assess the immediate impact of their possible exclusion. Nonetheless, the Minister did stress that discussions with both Transport for Wales and bus operators have taken into account the implications for those in the 5-15 age bracket.
The lack of clarity over the inclusion of all under-21s has left some questioning the transparency surrounding the policy’s rollout. The original government announcement emphasised the scheme was for “young people aged 21 and under”, but actual arrangements appear more complex, possibly due to negotiations over funding and industry concerns.
A definitive outcome is expected in the coming months, and the Welsh Government has indicated hopes of concluding negotiations in time for the new school term. Until then, many families and young people in Wales remain in limbo, awaiting news on whether the promise of £1 bus travel will truly be universal.
The episode underscores the difficulties governments face in converting headline-grabbing promises into workable, inclusive policies. As Wales moves towards September, attention will remain fixed on whether the intended beneficiaries—all those under 21—will indeed find their journeys cheaper and more accessible.