**Welsh Government Unveils £1 Bus Fare Scheme for Young People – Operators’ Participation Still Uncertain**
The Welsh Government has announced its latest initiative aimed at boosting bus travel among young people, promising single journeys for just £1. This move forms part of a wider budget settlement and is set to kick off this autumn. However, there remains significant ambiguity regarding which bus companies will actually take part, raising concerns over the practical delivery of the scheme.
The initiative was publicised alongside the release of the government’s final budget for 2025-26, which passed with support from the Liberal Democrats after key concessions were secured. Among those was a £15 million provision to pilot £1 single fares for 16 to 21-year-olds, hoping to make public transport more appealing and affordable for younger age groups across Wales.
Despite the promising nature of the announcement, some early confusion has clouded the scheme’s path to rollout. Initial details revealed that five to 15-year-olds would not benefit from the banded fares until November 2025, resulting in certain younger teenagers temporarily paying more than their older counterparts for identical trips. This discrepancy has drawn criticism from politicians, with Plaid Cymru’s transport spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths, highlighting the fairness issue and calling for urgent clarification.
Under the terms of the scheme, from 1st September, young people aged between 16 and 21 will be eligible for the discounted single fares and £3 day tickets, available on participating routes throughout Wales and select cross-border services. The policy hopes to pave the way for long-term changes in public transport habits, encouraging more youths to opt for buses over private vehicles.
However, at the present moment, there is still no definitive list of which bus service operators will sign up. Official sources suggest that most providers currently offering the MyTravel Pass are expected to participate, with a comprehensive register of operators promised before the September launch. It should be noted that night buses charging premium fares, sightseeing routes, as well as long-distance coach firms such as National Express, Megabus, and Flixbus, are explicitly excluded from the scheme.
Eligibility for the reduced rates will require 16 to 21-year-olds to obtain a ‘mytravelpass’ – an ID pass available free of charge, which can be acquired online or by post starting from 21st July. The government advises that processing could take up to six weeks, especially during peak periods such as the start of the academic year. Once issued, discounted tickets can be bought directly from bus drivers or, where supported, via mobile ticketing apps.
The financial commitment for the pilot stands at £15 million across the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, with an additional £7 million reserved to extend eligibility to younger children from early November 2025. Until that point, existing children’s discounts will remain in operation.
While many hail the concept as a positive step, key industry stakeholders have expressed reservations about the rollout. The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), representing bus operators nationwide, has urged the government to clarify exactly how the reduced fares will be funded and how compensation will be managed for operators reducing their fares. CPT Cymru Director Aaron Hill noted, “Driving down costs for young people is a commendable goal, and could revitalise bus use for a new generation. What’s needed now, however, is detailed guidance for bus companies – ensuring funding arrangements are clear and the scheme doesn’t end abruptly in a way that risks losing patrons.”
As it stands, all eyes are on the government to resolve these uncertainties in the coming weeks, particularly as families and bus operators alike prepare for the new term. If successful, the scheme could improve access and affordability for young people across Wales, but its long-term viability will depend on cooperative effort between government, transport providers, and the communities they serve.
For now, young travellers and their families are being encouraged to keep a close eye on forthcoming announcements to confirm which local operators will be supporting the new £1 fare offer ahead of its planned September debut.