Youngsters’ free bus travel plans rejected
Plans to offer free travel to thousands of youngsters in Powys has been rejected by the Welsh Government.
The Welsh Conservative backed 'Green Card' pass would have offered free bus travel to all 16 to 24-year-olds in Wales, but instead the government opted to continue with its 'MyTravelPass' scheme, which provides discounted fares for 16-21 year olds instead.
The government has now announced that the travel card, which discounts fares by around one third, has been extended to include 19-21 year olds.
Montgomeryshire AM Russell George said: "It was disappointing that the Welsh Government refused to listen to Welsh Conservative proposals for free youth bus travel," said Mr George.
"Our Green Card scheme would have completely lifted the barrier for young people to have free access to education, training and employment within Wales.
"As we hear today that the MyTravelPass scheme is to be extended to include 19 to 21-year olds, I just hope that the Welsh Government will take this opportunity to carefully consider whether this is really the best way to level the playing field for young people across Wales, or whether they should swallow their pride and consider our Green Card scheme as the best option".
According to Welsh Government statistics since the scheme began, a total of 20,953 young people have received a MyTravelPass card, with 1,038 cards issued in Powys.
Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates added: "Attracting more young people onto public transport is vital if we are to achieve a sustainable public transport network that supports our Prosperity for All objectives.
"Encouraging more young people to use the bus for more of their journeys will have an immediate and long-term benefit by reducing road congestion, improving air quality and making the bus network a more attractive place for the bus industry to invest."
