Cheaper bus travel will return across Rhondda Cynon Taf this December, with single fares capped at £1.50 for all journeys that start and end within the county borough.
The subsidised fares will be available from Monday 1 December to Wednesday 31 December 2025. The initiative is funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and marks the eighth time since 2023 that the council has introduced reduced fares during key periods such as school holidays and festive seasons. The offer was most recently in place during the summer holidays earlier this year.
The £1.50 fare will apply on all local routes and across all operators, from the first service of the day to the last. Normal fares will apply to any journey beginning or ending outside Rhondda Cynon Taf. Concessionary pass holders must continue to scan their passes as usual.
Discounted travel for young people also remains in place under a separate scheme funded by Welsh Government. Single fares are currently capped at 1 for those aged 5 to 21. Under 16s simply need to purchase a child ticket, while passengers aged 16 to 21 must show a valid My Travel Pass. This scheme will continue unchanged throughout the council’s December offer.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “I’m pleased the Council is again able to offer cheaper bus travel for residents and visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taf, being applied to all local journeys. This is thanks to continuing funding we’ve secured from the Shared Prosperity Fund. It will repeat the £1.50 maximum bus fare introduced in the school summer holiday, and will provide a substantial saving for bus users during December 2025.
“Our subsidised bus travel will once again run alongside our free festive parking offer in Aberdare and Pontypridd, which will be available in all Council car parks after 10am each day in December. These initiatives aim to help residents and families during the festive period, which can be an expensive time of the year – while also encouraging people to Shop Local and give a boost to our high street and town centre traders across the County Borough.
“Encouraging people to catch the bus in their everyday journeys has several other advantages, from reducing the number of vehicles on our roads and improving traffic congestion to reducing journey times and protecting the environment. Bus operators have seen a noticeable rise in customer numbers during previous offers – as we aim to break economic barriers that prevent people from using the bus, at a time when the cost of living remains high.
“The Council continues to welcome funding support made available by the UK Government through its Shared Prosperity Fund. We secured £1.2 million last year, plus an extra £1 million for the current year (2025/26), enabling us to continue to bring forward cheaper bus travel during key times of the year.”
The council says the initiative aims to encourage public transport use while supporting residents with travel costs over the Christmas period.
