A new scheme which offers Wales’ 110,000 16-18 year olds the opportunity to save a third off the price of an adult bus fare has been launched by First Minister, Carwyn Jones, in Corwen, North Wales.
Funded by the Welsh Government and developed in partnership with the bus industry and local authorities, the new Welsh Young Persons Discounted Travel (WYPDT) Scheme was designed to help young people travel to and from training and employment more cheaply, but has been extended to cover all of their bus journeys.
From today, 16-18 years old will be able to register their interest for the new WYPDT Scheme Card via Gov.wales/mytravelpass (English) or Llyw.cymru/fyngherdynteithio (Welsh). It will enable them to receive discounted fares on all local buses and TrawsCymru journeys throughout Wales from 1 September.
The First Minister will be joined at the launch by young people from Corwen Youth Club.
Commenting on the scheme, Carwyn Jones said:
“It is vital that our young people are able to access jobs and training opportunities in Wales more easily. We recognise that travelling costs can sometimes be a barrier and this scheme aims to change that by making it easier and cheaper for 16-18 year olds to travel around Wales. It underlines our commitment to supporting our young people into work and education opportunities.”
The Welsh Government has allocated £5million to the introduction of the scheme in 2015-16, and a further £9.75million in 2016-17.
The First Minister continued:
“It is great news that we have secured this significant, additional benefit to young people by working in partnership with the bus industry and local councils. I encourage all 110,000 16-18 years olds resident in Wales to register their interest at the earliest opportunity.”
The event is also being used to unveil the new model of more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly buses which are being rolled out along the recently upgraded TrawsCymru T3 bus services, which connects Wrexham with Barmouth, via Corwen, Bala, Dolgellau, and Barmouth.
Coach style interiors, next stop audio announcements and free WiFi for passengers are just some of the benefits available on the new fleet of four T3 buses.
The First Minister added:
“The T3 Service is an important part of our integrated transport network and this upgraded service will provide better connectivity for communities in Wrexham, Denbighshire and Gwynedd. The Welsh Government recognises the importance of bus services in Wales, particularly in rural areas, for providing access to jobs and services. These upgrades to the TrawsCymru network will improve accessibility, passenger comfort and access to internet.”
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