**Bus Fare Caps to Benefit Travellers Across Rhondda Cynon Taf in Major Cost-of-Living Push**
Bus passengers in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) can look forward to more affordable journeys as the local council unveils two new fare cap initiatives set to launch later this year. The schemes, which are designed to support residents amid ongoing economic pressures, demonstrate a broader commitment to making public transport more accessible for all.
One of the principal measures sees a general bus fare cap of £1.50 for single journeys throughout December 2025, coinciding with the busy festive period. This initiative aims to alleviate financial strain for families and individuals who rely on buses for shopping and visiting loved ones during the holidays.
In addition, a targeted scheme to benefit younger residents will roll out from September. All passengers aged between five and twenty-one will be able to travel for just £1 per single journey across RCT. This marks an early introduction of a nationwide Welsh Government policy, due for a wider launch in November, putting RCT ahead in providing discounted travel opportunities to its youth.
The funding for these fare reductions is being drawn from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which is allocated to local councils to address the cost-of-living crisis. While much of the fund supports schemes tackling energy efficiency and climate change, these bus travel subsidies stand out as a direct, day-to-day benefit for the community.
RCT Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, Councillor Andrew Morgan, expressed his enthusiasm for the projects, noting their multifaceted value. “We are delighted to introduce these significant bus fare caps,” he stated. “Reintroducing the popular £1.50 cap over the winter holidays and giving our young residents early access to the £1 fares will make a real difference. Cheaper travel helps remove barriers for families and encourages more activity in our retail and social spaces.”
Transport advocates and local businesses have welcomed the news, viewing the schemes as positive steps toward reversing the recent decline in public transport usage. With living costs remaining high, affordable fares are expected to ease the burden on families and promote more environmentally-friendly travel within the borough.
Recent years have seen increasing concern over the cost of commuting, particularly given the financial challenges posed by rising fuel prices and inflation. Public transport has been highlighted as an essential service for many, and such initiatives may contribute to longer-term shifts in travel habits and local economic activity.
It is worth noting that in addition to these upcoming fare caps, RCT residents enjoyed free bus travel throughout this past March – a move made possible by the same Shared Prosperity Fund. The combination of fare-free and capped-fare periods provides a clear signal of the council’s strategic focus: supporting residents while encouraging greater reliance on sustainable transportation.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect households across Wales, the new bus fare schemes in Rhondda Cynon Taf represent a timely intervention. By reducing the price of public transport, officials hope to preserve access to vital services, ease financial worries, and support the local economy during a critical period of uncertainty.
Looking ahead, other local authorities may watch closely to see whether early access to discounted fares for young people results in meaningful increases in public transport use. For now, the council’s initiatives stand as a notable example of how targeted policies can directly aid communities and foster a more inclusive approach to mobility.
Further information about eligibility and timetables is expected to be made available on the council’s website in the coming weeks, and residents are encouraged to keep informed about the practical details of these welcome changes. As December approaches, many in the borough will be weighing up their transport choices and may find their journey made much easier by these new initiatives.