Written question WQ99321
- Asked by
- Dan ThomasReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 11 days
Question
What plans does the Welsh Government have to reduce the cost of bus and train travel across Wales?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport (Mark Hooper)
We have extended the Young Persons Fare Scheme until March 2027, enabling 5 to 21-year-olds to travel on participating bus services for £1 per single journey, with a daily fare cap of £3.
We also continue to fund free bus travel for people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people, with nearly 700,000 concessionary travel passes currently in use across Wales.
The Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 will enable a more integrated bus network and support the development of simpler, more consistent fares, helping passengers access affordable and reliable services wherever they travel on local bus services in Wales.
All Transport for Wales (TfW) rail fares were frozen earlier this year in line with the UK Government announcement. TfW already offers some of the cheapest rail fares in the UK and the introduction of ‘Pay As You Go’ in South and North Wales has provided passengers with cheaper fares and a much easier method of payment. Take up in South Wales is already around 50%.
TfW will bring journey planning, ticketing and real-time information together in one place – building on our already improved rail platform as we move towards bus franchising.