More young people will benefit from cheaper bus fares across Wales as the £1 bus fare pilot is extended to all 5–15-year-olds from this month.

The scheme, which was launched in September for 16–21-year-olds, is already proving to be a success with almost a quarter of a million journeys made by young people taking advantage of the cheaper fares.

The extended pilot will not only provide more children and young people with unlimited affordable bus travel to help them access education and leisure but also help support the Welsh Government’s efforts to encourage more people to use public transport, reduce carbon emissions and tackle poverty.

The pilot scheme, which offers single fares for just £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.

Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan said:"We are delivering on our promise to cut the cost of travel to help break down barriers, because no young person in Wales should feel cut off or isolated due to the cost of transport.

“This investment is already making a real difference to communities all over Wales, but especially in rural areas.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, 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,” he added.

Full details of the scheme and participating bus services across Wales are available on the TfW website.