£1 bus fares to be introduced for under-21s

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From September, anyone aged 21 or younger will be able to travel anywhere in Wales by bus for just £1.

The Welsh Government is investing £15m into a 12-month pilot scheme, which was announced as part of its budget plans for 2025/26.

The trial will run for one academic year, during which it will also offer unlimited travel for £3.

The move came after the Welsh Government struck a deal with Liberal Democrat Senedd Member Jane Dodds earlier this month.

Labour, which holds half the Senedd’s 60 seats, needed the support of at least one opposition member to pass its spending plans for the 12 months from April.

The deal with Ms Dodds, the Lib Dems’ only MS, included the pilot – as well as a promise to ban greyhound racing in Wales.

The MP-turned-Senedd Member secured £30m for childcare, £30m for social care, £10m for playgrounds and leisure centres, £10m for rural investment and £5m to address pollution.

‘Less of a financial burden’

The move has been welcomed by Caerphilly’s Labour MS, Hefin David. He said: “Over recent months 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.”

He continued: “The £1 bus fares 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.”