Bus operators have welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement on low fares for young people. However, the Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents the industry, called for urgent clarity on how the scheme will be funded.
Aaron Hill, Director of CPT Cymru, said:
“Encouraging young people to catch the bus is the right choice for Wales. Lower fares will help a new generation pick up a habit of using public transport – which will trigger more investment in bus services, benefiting communities up and down the country.
“Buses account for two thirds of public transport journeys in Wales, so they are key to our national infrastructure. Investing in buses represents good value – every pound of public money spent on buses brings £4.55 of benefits to the environment, to public health and to communities.
“In order to roll out this scheme in the autumn, bus operators need clarity on exactly how lower bus fares will be funded, and on reimbursement for individual bus companies which will be cutting fares for passengers.
“It is also important that the Government considers how long the scheme will last, and how it can ultimately be ended without a ‘cliff edge’ that deters passengers.
“We want to work in partnership to deliver lower fares for young people successfully. We call on the Welsh Government and on Transport for Wales to act quickly to build confidence in the scheme ahead of its launch in September.”
