Young Travelers in Wales Can Now Access £1 Bus Fares
From Monday, 1st September, young people aged 16 to 21 in Wales can travel on local buses for £1 by registering for a free mytravelpass. Transport for Wales has launched a one-year pilot program to make public transport easier to use and more affordable for young residents attending schools, workplaces, and community events. Alongside the £1 single fare, an unlimited day ticket costs £3, allowing passengers to make several trips in one day.
Eligible travelers need to apply for the mytravelpass to access discounted fares. The pass can be presented to the bus driver or via the bus operator’s app when boarding. The reduced fares also apply to cross-border journeys as long as the trip begins or ends in Wales. In November, the scheme is set to expand to include children aged 5 to 15, extending benefits to a wider group of young passengers and families.
The reduced fares make travel to popular outdoor destinations more affordable. Young people can now access Snowdon National Park for hiking, Cardiff Bay for waterfront walks, and Brecon Beacons for scenic trails. The £3 unlimited day ticket allows visits to multiple locations in one day, such as Pembrokeshire Coast, Llandudno Promenade, or Gower Peninsula, giving travelers greater flexibility for recreational trips without high transport costs.
The expansion to include younger children further improves travel opportunities for families. Parents accompanying children aged 5 to 15 can explore Rhossili Beach, Fforest Fawr Geopark, or Conwy Castle grounds. These locations can be accessed using bus routes included in the mytravelpass, providing an affordable way to visit outdoor areas, take short trips, and explore local attractions. The scheme supports practical travel planning and encourages the use of public transport for both leisure and everyday journeys.
The mytravelpass program, managed by Transport for Wales, represents a step toward more inclusive and accessible public transport in Wales. It allows young people and families to travel across Wales more easily while keeping costs low. By reducing travel costs, the program makes it easier for young people to access education, work, and outdoor locations. Young people are now able to visit Wales’ natural areas and outdoor attractions more easily, making short trips and day excursions more accessible.