£1 bus fares for young people confirmed across Wales — but questions remain over operator sign-up
The initiative, which will run for a year, offers £1 single fares and £3 day passes to 16 to 21-year-olds on participating bus services across Wales and some cross-border routes. It will launch on 1 September 2025, with an extension to five to 15-year-olds confirmed for 3 November.
The scheme forms part of a £100m budget agreement between Welsh Labour and the Welsh Liberal Democrats, with £15m allocated for the initial pilot and a further £7m added to cover the younger age group. It was not included in the Welsh Government’s original draft budget, but was introduced following negotiations with Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
Jane Dodds said: “So many young people have told me what a difference both the £1 single and £3 daily tickets will make to their lives when the scheme launches in September. This policy shows the real impact the Welsh Liberal Democrats are already having on people’s lives across Wales.”
The scheme is designed to support access to education, training, employment and leisure, while encouraging public transport use and reducing carbon emissions. First Minister Eluned Morgan described it as a “top priority” and said it would make a “real difference to communities all over Wales, especially in rural areas.”
Extension to younger children follows criticism
The original announcement drew criticism from Plaid Cymru and others, who highlighted that five to 15-year-olds — who often rely on buses for school and leisure — would have faced higher fares than older teens under the initial rollout.
In cities like Swansea, Cardiff and Newport, current fares for younger children are already above the £1 cap, prompting concerns about fairness and affordability.
Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths called the omission “an unacceptable oversight” and said it stemmed from a “last-minute budget deal.” In response, the Welsh Government confirmed the scheme would be extended to younger children from November, citing complexities around school bus travel as the reason for the delay.
Children aged five to 15 will not need a pass to qualify, while those aged 16 to 21 must hold a MyTravelPass. Existing pass holders do not need to reapply, but new applicants can sign up from 21 July via mytravelpass.tfw.wales.
First Cymru Bus on route 36 Bus at Clasemont Road in Swansea
(Image: First Cymru)Operator sign-up still pending
Despite the official launch, no bus operators have yet confirmed participation, and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has called for urgent clarity on how the scheme will be funded and how operators will be reimbursed.
Aaron Hill, Director of CPT Cymru, said: “Encouraging young people to catch the bus is the right choice for Wales. Lower fares will help a new generation pick up a habit of using public transport – which will trigger more investment in bus services, benefiting communities up and down the country.
“In order to roll out this scheme in the autumn, bus operators need clarity on exactly how lower bus fares will be funded, and on reimbursement for individual bus companies which will be cutting fares for passengers.”
The Welsh Government says it expects the majority of operators to take part, particularly those already offering MyTravelPass discounts. A full list of participating services is expected to be published before the scheme begins.
Premium-fare night buses, sightseeing services, and long-distance coach operators such as National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus will not be included.
Local context: Swansea’s free bus weekends and future reforms
Swansea City Bus Station
The announcement comes as Swansea Council’s Free Bus Travel scheme returns for the school summer holidays, offering free weekend travel across the city until 1 September. The initiative, which has run successfully in previous years, aims to support families, boost footfall in the city centre, and encourage sustainable travel habits.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Robert Francis-Davies, previously said: “We want to make it easier for people to get around Swansea, especially during the summer holidays when families are looking for affordable ways to enjoy the city.”
The new £1 fare scheme will follow directly on from Swansea’s summer offer, potentially providing a seamless transition for young travellers as the school term begins.
Looking ahead, Wales is preparing for major bus network reforms in 2027, which will see services brought under public control. The reforms aim to create a more integrated, reliable and accessible bus system, with local authorities playing a greater role in planning and delivery.
The £1 fare pilot could serve as a testbed for future pricing models and passenger incentives under the new system.
Transport for Wales electric bus
How the scheme works
- Who qualifies?
- From 1 September: 16 to 21-year-olds with a valid MyTravelPass
- From 3 November: 5 to 15-year-olds (no pass required)
- What does it cost?
- £1 single fares
- £3 day passes for unlimited travel on participating services
- Where is it valid?
- On registered bus services in Wales and some cross-border routes
- Journeys must start or end in Wales
- Not valid on premium night buses, sightseeing services, or long-distance coaches
- How to apply?
- 16 to 21-year-olds can apply for a free MyTravelPass from 21 July
- Applications may take up to six weeks to process during busy periods
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