Young people can save over £500 annually on bus fares in Wales thanks to a youth focused public transport initiative funded by the Welsh Government.

mytravelpass is a discounted bus travel scheme entitling young people aged 16-18 to at least a third off bus fare prices anywhere in Wales.

Developed in conjunction with all bus operators across the country including Arriva North Wales, Stagecoach and First Cymru, young people are being encouraged to sign up for a card in order to save close to £1,000 in some parts of Wales.

In North Wales, a young person could save up to £693 a year on adult fares by carrying mytravelpass.

While in South West Wales, mytravelpass holders could save up to £584 a year, and bus users can enjoy savings of up to £985.50 in South East Wales by having the card.

The scheme hopes to encourage young people to take advantage of public transport, while leaving them with more spare cash to spend on the things they enjoy. The savings could see young people enjoy over 70 cinema trips in a year, 308 Starbucks lattes, 792 single downloads on iTunes, or at least 10 Playstation or Xbox games.

These savings could also provide them with enough money for a holiday, shopping trips, while also taking the burden off ‘Mum and Dad’s Taxi Service’.

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, attended an event to celebrate the scheme in September, held at the Yale campus of Coleg Cambria in Wrexham. Mr Skates encouraged students to sign up and to contribute to a consultation later in the Autumn, looking at ways to develop the scheme in future.

Mr Skates said:

“We’re pleased to be able to support mytravelpass and help young people become more independent, while aiding them financially. It’s a great opportunity for young people to make the most of the public transport that local operators have to offer across Wales.”

Rhian Cosslett at mytravelpass said:

“We understand that transport costs can be a barrier for young people using public transport but mytravelpass is designed to make it cheaper and easier for the 110,000 16-18 year olds across Wales to use the bus. 

“The scheme is ideal for helping young people become more independent without the financial expense, making it purse friendly for them and their parents!

“The online application process provides a quick and easy way to access cheaper transport. It’s free to apply, and the applicant is only required to fill out an online form and provide a passport size colour photograph, it couldn’t be easier!

“With such great savings to be had, we hope that more 16 to 18 year olds in Wales will take advantage of this opportunity and apply for their pass.”

To apply online, please visit mytravelpass.gov.wales

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