Bus fares to rise across South West Wales as First Cymru confirms new price increases

The changes take effect from Sunday, March 29, affecting services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Bridgend, the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff, while Pembrokeshire will continue to operate under a separate fare structure.

Under the new prices, a single ticket bought from the driver will rise from £3.00 to £3.10, while a return will increase from £5.70 to £5.90. Day tickets will climb from £7.00 to £7.30, with weekly passes rising from £25.00 to £26.30 and monthly tickets increasing from £80 to £84.

First Cymru says the changes are part of a regular fare review aimed at balancing rising operating costs while continuing to invest in services.

Passengers using the company’s Tap On, Tap Off system will also see small changes depending on how far they travel. The distance-based system was introduced in 2024 when the operator rolled out new Tap On, Tap Off payment technology across its network as part of a wider overhaul of fares and ticketing.

That shake-up also triggered criticism at the time after some ticket prices jumped sharply. Early changes to the pricing structure saw the cost of some day tickets rise by more than 40%, prompting complaints from passengers when bus users hit back at the price rises.

Under the Tap On, Tap Off system, fares vary depending on the distance travelled, with longer journeys capped. From March 29 that cap will remain £3.10 for a single journey and £5.90 for a return.

Pembrokeshire services follow a slightly different mileage-based structure, with lower starting fares for very short journeys but increases still being applied across most distance bands.

Despite the changes for adult passengers, fares for children and young people using the My Travel Pass scheme will remain unchanged. Single journeys will continue to cost £1, returns £2, and day tickets £3.

Main First Cymru fares (from 29 March 2026)

Tap On, Tap Off adult fares (distance-based)

Tap On, Tap Off fare caps

Pembrokeshire Tap On, Tap Off fares (from 29 March)

Children and My Travel Pass fares (unchanged)

The latest fare review comes after a turbulent period for the bus operator. In late 2025, drivers and engineering staff staged a series of walkouts as pay talks broke down, causing disruption across the region before unions eventually secured a new deal that was hailed as a major pay win for First Cymru drivers.

The agreement delivered a 5% increase backdated to April, along with staged rises that will see drivers’ pay reach £15 an hour by 2027.

First Cymru says passengers can still ensure they are charged the cheapest available fare by using Tap On, Tap Off when boarding and leaving the bus.

The new fares will apply across the operator’s network from March 29.

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Bus routes restored for Pen‑y‑Fai, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam after deal struck

The changes come into force from Monday 23 February, with the long‑running Number 71 service once again diverting through Pen‑y‑Fai on its hourly run between Bridgend and Cymmer via Maesteg.

The diversion will operate Monday to Saturday between roughly 7.44am and 6.17pm. But the tweak means the 71 will no longer head directly to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet or the Princess of Wales Hospital — a move the council says is covered by the Number 70, which continues to serve both stops on its usual route.

Passengers using day tickets, concessionary passes or Tap On Tap Off will be able to switch between services at Bridgend Bus Station without paying extra. Those travelling on single or return tickets may need to stay on the bus as it changes service number, or pay an additional fare to continue.

Meanwhile, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam will regain a regular service under a new 63B route, running as part of the existing Bridgend–Porthcawl Number 63. The 63B will operate hourly between 9.41am and 3.39pm, Monday to Saturday. The council says more journeys could be added “subject to funding”.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said the return of the routes was “very welcome news” for communities that rely on buses for work, healthcare and daily travel.

She added that the outcome “reflects the importance of partnership working”, praising residents, ward members, council officers and First Cymru for their “continued engagement”.

The new timetables will be published by First Cymru closer to the launch date.

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Free buses return to Swansea for Christmas

Free rides across the city

Swansea Council has confirmed that journeys starting and finishing within the city will be free on selected dates throughout December.

The scheme covers the weekends before Christmas, plus extra days right up to New Year’s Eve.

Free Bus Travel Dates

• December 6 and 7
• December 13 and 14
• December 20 and 21
• December 22, 23 and Christmas Eve
• December 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31

Journeys must start and finish within Swansea to qualify for free travel.

“Here for you this winter”

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the initiative was designed to ease the burden on families at a costly time of year.

“Christmas can be an expensive time of year and we’re hoping everyone will take advantage of this great offer,” he said.

Cllr Stewart added:

“This is the fifth Christmas period that we have provided free transport for families in Swansea. We’re the only council in Wales that offers this kind of free bus service and I’m proud that once again this winter Swansea will be doing all it can to support our residents as part of our #HereForYouThisWinter campaign.”

Since the scheme began, more than a million free journeys have been taken, with families saving an estimated £20 per trip.

Swansea at Christmas

Christmas Parade lights up city
Thousands turned out for Swansea’s annual festive parade and lights switch‑on.

Christmas Market opens
Festive stalls return to the city centre with food, gifts and seasonal cheer.

Winter Wonderland returns
Ice rink, rides and festive fun back at Museum Park for the holiday season.

Boost for businesses and families

The council leader said the offer was not just about encouraging shoppers into the city centre.

“This is also about giving the public the chance to travel all across Swansea, whether it’s to visit family members or just enjoy what Swansea has to offer.”

Encouraging greener travel

Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Andrew Stevens said the scheme also aims to get more people onto public transport.

“One of the main aims has been to encourage more people to use public transport in Swansea,” he explained.

“We know lots of people travel by car and may not have been on a bus previously. This free bus offer is a great way of introducing more people to public transport and reduce the number of cars on our roads.”

Cllr Stevens added:

“It’s important we support public transport operators in Swansea and do what we can to increase passenger numbers.”

Fifth year of festive travel

This is the fifth year Swansea Council has offered free festive bus travel, making it the only authority in Wales to run such a scheme.

With strike action by First Cymru staff now called off, the council says it hopes residents will seize the chance to save money, support local businesses, and cut congestion on the roads.

First Cymru Strike Coverage

Bus strike called off
Industrial action by First Cymru drivers suspended, paving the way for festive free travel.

Strike dates announced
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Strike enters second week
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First Cymru bus drivers’ pay win hailed as union victory

Unite has hailed a significant pay win for bus drivers in South West Wales, warning that low pay must still be tackled across the sector.

The union confirmed members at First Cymru have accepted a new offer delivering a 5% increase backdated to 1 April. Drivers’ hourly pay rises to £14.25 now, with staged increases reaching £15 per hour by January 2027.

The deal also covers engineers, admin staff and service personnel. Cleaners will receive a temporary uplift until April 2026, when the Real Living Wage of £13.45 will apply.

Timeline of the First Cymru dispute

October 2025:
Drivers begin strike action over pay, warning of disruption across South West Wales.

November 2025:
Unite accuses First Cymru of union‑busting as stoppages continue. Councils raise concern over impact.

Late November 2025:
New pay offer tabled. Strikes suspended pending ballot of members.

29 November 2025:
Workers accept revised deal. First Cymru confirms strike action is over.

1 December 2025:
Unite hails the agreement as a union victory, warning low pay must still be tackled under franchising.

“There is power in a union”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the outcome showed the strength of collective action.

“There is power in a union and the victory achieved by First Cymru workers in South Wales is a testament to the power of workers coming together and fighting for what they merit.”

Regional officer Alan McCarthy added:

“Unite members at First Cymru have shown the power of collective action, winning this dispute to gain a much‑improved pay award.

However, the fact that they had to take strike action at all should be a real concern for Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government. Steps must be taken to ensure that low pay is eliminated in our Welsh bus sector under the new franchising model.”

Strike action cancelled, but concerns remain

All planned industrial action has now been cancelled following the ballot result.

The dispute saw repeated stoppages across October and November, with drivers warning of festive disruption and Unite accusing the company of union‑busting.

While the new deal ends the immediate dispute, Unite says bus workers remain among the lowest paid in the sector — and has pledged to continue pressing for fairer wages under franchising reforms.

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Bus strikes across South West Wales come to an end after deal agreed

The company announced this week that a revised pay offer has been accepted by staff, lifting the threat of further walkouts and restoring certainty for passengers.

Agreement brings relief after months of disruption

Industrial action by Unite members had caused widespread disruption to services in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Llanelli and beyond, with strikes stretching into the autumn and winter.

Several rounds of negotiations saw offers rejected, strikes postponed, and services repeatedly thrown into doubt. At one stage, Unite confirmed action would continue into January, escalating concerns for commuters and local councils.

The breakthrough came after First Cymru tabled an improved offer, which has now been accepted.

First Cymru statement

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First Bus Cymru, said:

“We are pleased that the revised offer has been accepted by colleagues and that the threat of further strike action has been lifted. This agreement provides certainty for our teams and our customers, and enables us to move forward together.

“Our priority now is to restore confidence and deliver the reliable, consistent services that our communities depend on every day. We want to thank our customers for their patience during this period of uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming back anyone who may have been affected by the recent disruption.”

Looking ahead

The end of the strikes will be welcomed by thousands of passengers who rely on First Cymru buses daily for work, school and essential travel. Local leaders, including Neath Port Talbot Council, had previously voiced concern about the impact of prolonged disruption on communities and businesses.

With the agreement now in place, attention turns to rebuilding trust and ensuring services run smoothly through the busy winter period.

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Unite confirms suspension of First Cymru bus strike after improved pay offer

The union Unite confirmed late on Wednesday that its members will now be balloted on the latest offer, with voting set to close on 28 November. If the deal is rejected, strike action will begin on Sunday 7 December and continue throughout December until 21 January, as previously announced.

Ballot now the focus

Unite regional officer Alan McCarthy said:

“Following the announcement of a winter of strike action, First Cymru has finally come forward with an improved pay offer. As an act of goodwill, Unite has agreed to suspend strike action while a ballot of our members takes place.”

The suspension marks a significant development in a dispute that had threatened to cause widespread disruption to bus services across South and West Wales in the run‑up to Christmas.

First Cymru response

In a statement, First Cymru said:

“Industrial action that was due to begin on 20 November across Wales has been suspended until 7 December while Unite the Union ballots its members on a revised pay offer.

“We’re genuinely grateful to both Unite and ACAS for the constructive conversations that helped us reach this point. First Bus services across south and west Wales will continue to run as normal during this period, which we know matters to everyone who relies on us for work, school and other daily commitments.

“Thanks for your patience and understanding throughout this process. We’ll continue to keep you updated as things develop.”

Pay and back‑pay at the heart of the dispute

Drivers had been preparing for continuous strike action in protest at low hourly pay rates and claims that First Cymru was attempting to withhold back‑pay.

Unite has argued that drivers’ current rate of £13.40 per hour lags behind competitors such as Stagecoach, which pays £14.44 per hour, and has demanded a minimum of £14.30 per hour plus back‑pay.

The company previously warned that prolonged strike action would cause “hugely disruptive” impacts for passengers, while insisting it had made an above‑inflation pay offer alongside investment in staff facilities and benefits.

What happens next

The outcome of the ballot will determine whether the improved offer is accepted or whether strike action resumes in December.

For now, bus services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Haverfordwest are expected to run as normal until the ballot closes.

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Neath Port Talbot Council leader says First Cymru bus strike postponed

The planned continuous strike by First Cymru bus drivers, due to begin on Thursday 20 November, has been postponed until 7 December, according to a late-night Facebook post by Neath Port Talbot Council leader Cllr Steve Hunt.

Cllr Hunt published the update at 10.31pm on Tuesday, writing:

“The First Cymru bus drivers strike has been postponed and will not go ahead from this Thursday 20th November. After talks today between First Cymru and Unite the Union, the planned strike action that was to continue from this Thursday 20th November has been postponed until 7th December.”

At the time of writing, no official confirmation has been issued by either First Cymru or Unite, leaving passengers awaiting clarity on whether services will run as normal later this week.

Pay dispute that sparked the strike

The strike action was announced earlier this month after negotiations over pay broke down. Unite members at depots across Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Haverfordwest had voted to escalate to a continuous strike running until 21 January.

Drivers have argued that their current pay rate of £13.40 per hour lags behind competitors such as Stagecoach, which pays £14.44 per hour. Unite has demanded a minimum of £14.30 per hour plus back pay, accusing First Cymru of withholding agreed payments and attempting to undermine union solidarity by offering £50 incentives to cross picket lines.

Union anger and company warnings

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham previously described the company’s approach as “union-busting” and said drivers were “furious” at being left behind in the industry.

First Cymru, meanwhile, has insisted it has made an above-inflation pay offer alongside investment in staff facilities and benefits, and warned that prolonged strikes would cause “hugely disruptive” impacts for passengers.

What happens next

If the postponement is confirmed, bus services across South and West Wales may continue as normal until 7 December, when Unite has indicated action could resume if no agreement is reached.

For now, passengers are advised to check for updates directly from First Cymru and Unite the Union, as neither has yet issued a formal statement on the postponement.

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‘Underpaid’ First Cymru drivers set for continuous strike as union demands ACAS talks

Union says Welsh drivers earn less than Bristol colleagues

Unite the Union has warned that bus services across South and West Wales face major disruption from next week, as drivers prepare to begin a continuous strike lasting until 21 January 2026.

The union says its members in Wales are “underpaid” compared to colleagues in Bristol, despite working under the same operating company. Bristol drivers earn £17 an hour, while Welsh drivers are paid £13.40.

Unite confirmed that the latest offer from First Cymru — £14.07 per hour — was rejected, citing concerns that the company intended to withhold the majority of back pay owed to workers.

Union calls for ACAS mediation

Unite representatives said their “door has always been open” for talks and criticised First Cymru for failing to take up earlier proposals to involve ACAS in mediation.

“They contacted us ahead of the previous industrial action, which lasted for four days from the 5th of November, proposing ACAS. We said absolutely. They said it would be on the basis that the industrial action was withdrawn, and our drivers were not prepared to do that,” the union said.

“We’re now sitting here in November still waiting for an acceptable offer. The employer has delayed and delayed and delayed. So our members were adamant that they will take that industrial action.”

First Cymru says strikes ‘unnecessary and disruptive’

In a statement issued on 5 November, Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company was “deeply frustrated” by the union’s decision to announce two months of strikes.

“These are unnecessary and, most importantly, they will be hugely disruptive to our customers during the festive period when many hope to use buses to shop, meet friends and family and enjoy Christmas parties. It is within the hands of the union to stop this action,” he said.

Mr Claringbold added: “We have always maintained an open dialogue with the union and while they continue to reject our offers we still hope to find a solution to encourage the union to call off their strikes. We have been committed to improving the pay of drivers, and alongside our above inflation offer, we continue to invest in staff facilities and conditions, and a range of benefits, including healthcare schemes.”

He confirmed that revised timetables would be published on the company’s website and urged passengers to check before travelling.

Six‑day countdown to walkout

On social media, Unite Wales warned that First Cymru now has just six days before drivers return to the picket lines.

“Again, we call on First Cymru to do the right thing and end this dispute before Christmas,” the union posted. “Our members do not want to disrupt the general public, particularly over Christmas, but until First make a decent pay offer and release their back pay, strike action will continue.”

What it means for passengers

The strike is set to run continuously until 21 January 2026, covering the entire festive period. Bus services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire are expected to be heavily affected, with both sides urging dialogue but standing firm on their positions.

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Swansea MS meets First Bus to discuss future of city’s transport network

South Wales West MS Tom Giffard has met with FirstGroup representatives at the Senedd to discuss the future of Swansea’s bus services, including plans for electrification, franchising, and the impact of recent strikes.

The meeting comes as First Bus rolls out a £350 million national investment to electrify its fleet, converting diesel vehicles to electric and introducing new carbon‑neutral buses across Wales.

“Reliable, timely public transport”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Giffard said he welcomed First Bus’s commitment to improving services:

“It was great to meet some of the team from First Bus to talk through their commitment to helping provide a timely, reliable public transport system, as well as their huge investment into a fleet of brand‑new carbon‑neutral buses across Wales, many of which will be coming to Swansea soon.

“I sincerely hope the Welsh Government engage with First Bus to enable them to help build the services people across Swansea deserve.”

He also raised concerns about the impact of the default 20mph speed limit on bus routes and journey times, calling for greater investment in roads and junction upgrades along the M4 at Ynysforgan and Penllergaer.

On social media, Mr Giffard shared a light‑hearted post after trying out one of the new buses himself:

“Good to get behind the wheel of a new First bus coming to a Swansea street near you very soon. But don’t worry, hopefully the drivers won’t still be on strike by then, so I won’t be the one behind the wheel!”

First Cymru: Net zero ambitions

Rob Pymm, Commercial Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company was pleased to hear Mr Giffard’s support for their net zero ambitions.

“We were pleased to meet Tom Giffard MS this week and hear he is supporting our moves to a net zero fleet with £350million invested so far nationally to electrify our depots and buses.

“The arrival of electric buses in Swansea will depend on franchise plans by Transport for Wales (TfW) and Welsh Government, and we’ll continue to work closely with TfW to lend our expertise in this area to help ensure our net‑zero ambitions arrive in the country. We already operate eight electric TrawsCymru buses on the growing T1 service as part of our partnership with TfW.”

Looking ahead

While the timeline for electric buses in Swansea will depend on Welsh Government franchising decisions, both First Cymru and Mr Giffard emphasised the importance of building a transport system that is affordable, reliable and sustainable.

Mr Giffard said he would continue to advocate for improvements and invited Swansea residents to share feedback on issues they want raised.

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First Cymru warns of festive disruption as strike dispute escalates

The company issued its response after Unite accused the operator of “union‑busting” in the ongoing pay dispute. Strikes are scheduled to begin on 20 November and continue until 21 January, covering the peak festive travel season.

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company shared customers’ frustration at the prolonged action. “These are unnecessary and, most importantly, they will be hugely disruptive to our customers during the festive period when many hope to use buses to shop, meet friends and family and enjoy Christmas parties. It is within the hands of the union to stop this action,” he said.

Claringbold stressed that First Cymru had maintained an open dialogue with Unite and continued to seek a resolution. “We have always maintained an open dialogue with the union and while they continue to reject our offers we still hope to find a solution to encourage the union to call off their strikes,” he added.

The company highlighted its above‑inflation pay offer, alongside investment in staff facilities, conditions, and benefits such as healthcare schemes. Claringbold warned that further strike announcements were damaging the reputation of bus travel in Wales and disrupting public travel plans.

First Cymru confirmed that revised timetables will be published on its website shortly, with ongoing reviews to maximise the number of services available. Passengers are urged to check the operator’s website before travelling.

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