Wales to introduce a £1 bus fare for under-21s

It has been announced that under-21s are to benefit from a £1 bus fare across Wales. The news came as part of the Welsh Government’s Final Budget 2025-2026.

The deal sees £15 million provided to fund a pilot scheme for young people aged 21 and under to pay only £1 for a single bus fare in Wales.

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) says that encouraging young people to travel by bus is ‘an investment in the wellbeing of future generations’.

“Bus operators look forward to working with the Welsh Government to ensure that this scheme can be delivered successfully” – Aaron Hill, CPT Cymru Director

Aaron Hill, CPT Cymru Director, said: “This initiative is long overdue; until today, Wales was the only nation in Great Britain with no national scheme to reduce fares for bus users. Every pound invested in bus services brings £4.55 of benefits to the environment, the health of the nation and to communities.

“Bus operators look forward to working with the Welsh Government to ensure that this scheme can be delivered successfully, is financially sustainable, and that tax payers get the best possible value for money.”