The Welsh Government has announced that more than two million bus journeys have been made by under-22s since the introduction of a fare cap for young people in September 2025.
The pilot scheme, which will run until August 2026, offers single journeys for £1 and day tickets for £3 to 5-21-year-olds on services run by participating operators.
The bus fare cap trial in Wales was initially aimed at 16-21-year-olds but extended to younger travellers in November 2025.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, says: “It’s fantastic to see so many young people taking advantage of cheaper bus fares.
“We know that the cost of travel is often a barrier for young people, especially in rural areas, so I am delighted that our investment is making travel as accessible and affordable as possible with the scheme already making a real difference to young people’s lives across Wales.”
While travelling on a bus from Llangollen to Wrexham, Mr Skates heard from young people who had benefited from the reduced fare.
Avery Stridgen, 17, from North Wales, says: “The £1 bus fare scheme has opened up more opportunities, enabling me to make and keep social connections and to get back and fore to college. I now use the bus more than I’ve done before and it’s because of these cheaper fares.”
Liam Lennard, 17, from Prestatyn adds: “The new scheme has really helped me to get to and from work as I live in Prestatyn and work in Rhyl.
“My bus usage has increased under this scheme, and I hope to see this become a permanent arrangement.”
Mr Skates said 12 months ago in the Senedd that he hoped the scheme “can be retained for the future” but that the success of the scheme would first be evaluated.
Meanwhile, Welsh Labour announced recently that, if re-elected to the Senedd in May, it would introduce a £2 fare cap for all ages and introduce 100 new bus routes across Wales by 2030.
