The Welsh government has announced that the £1 bus fare pilot is extended to all 5–15-year-olds from 3 November.
The scheme was initially launched in September for 16–21-year-olds, with a quarter of a million journeys made by young people taking advantage of the cheaper fares.
The full scheme is running for 12 months across two financial years (September 2025-August 2026).
The Welsh government has provided a total of £22m over two financial years (2025-26 and 2026-27) to support £1 bus fares for all 5–21-year-olds, which includes £15m secured through the Budget agreement with the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds.
The pilot scheme, which offers single fares for £1 and a £3 day ticket when travelling with any participating bus services, will run until August 2026.
Unlike those in the 16–21-year-old age bracket, 5–15-year-olds do not need a mytravelpass to access the cheaper fares.
Cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “I am delighted to be extending the pilot scheme to offer affordable bus travel to more young people across Wales.
“We’re already seeing an increased uptake in the number of young people taking advantage of the cheaper fares and I look forward to seeing this continue to rise now we’ve extended the scheme to 5–15-year-olds.”
Achievements and innovations in public transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
