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All 16 to 21-year-olds in Wales will able to catch a bus for just £1 from September 1.

Meanwhile, day passes for this age group will cost £3, as part of a new £15 million scheme being introduced by the Welsh Government.

The funding will cover until 2027, and comes as part of the budget deal the Welsh Government struck with Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds.

A further £7m will be invested from November 3, which will see the scheme extended to include anyone aged between five and 15. Existing reduced fares for children will apply until then.

All 16 to 21-year-olds will need to apply for a free mytravelpass to be eligible. Anyone who doesn’t yet have the pass will be able to apply for one from July 21.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Cutting the cost of travel for young people and providing better transport for all is one of our top priorities. We are delivering our promises to young people across Wales.

“This investment will make a real difference to communities all over Wales, but especially in rural areas.”

Transport secretary Ken Skates also praised the initiative, which he said “offers affordable bus travel for young people to help them access education, training, employment, and leisure, as well as supporting our efforts to encourage more people to use public transport, reduce carbon emissions and tackle poverty”.

‘This will really make an impact’

Caerphilly’s Labour MS, Hefin David, described the scheme as an “investment in the future of our young people,” and said: “Over the last year I have visited Coleg Y Cymoedd, numerous high schools and People Plus in Bargoed, where I have heard directly of the financial implications affecting young people and their families.

“The £1 bus fairs will help these people stay in education and work, getting them to and from their destination with less of a financial burden.

“For low income families, this will really make an impact alongside the widening of the Education Maintenance Allowance, which stands at £40 a week in Wales.

“This is excellent news for young people in my constituency and across Wales”.

Dr David urged young people to apply for the mytravelpass and added: “This scheme isn’t just for travelling to school or college – it’s for travelling anywhere. It will open up more opportunities for meeting friends and exploring the rest of the country too.”