Young people across Wrexham urged to have their say on discounted bus travel plans

Young people across Wrexham are being urged to have their say in a new consultation aimed at improving access to public transport across Wales.

The Welsh Labour Government is encouraging interested individuals, groups and organisations to put forward their views on how best to promote bus travel for those aged between 16 and 24 year olds.

The current My Travel Pass scheme has offered 16–18 year olds a third off bus fares since September 2015, however it is expected to end in March 2018.

Over 15,000 young people across Wales have applied for a MyTravelPass, with an estimated 500,000+ journeys made under the scheme since April 2017.

This week the Welsh Government launched a new consultation, asking for opinions on:

– Which categories of journeys should be eligible for discounted travel
– Whether the age of eligibility and size of discount should be changed
– Alternative payment methods, including a fixed contribution per journey or a monthly/annual pass for free travel at the point of use.

Announcing the launch of the consultation earlier this week, Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, said: “It’s absolutely vital that those who stand to gain from a future discounted travel scheme are at the heart of any decision we make.

“When I announced the continuation of My Travel pass scheme in February, I was clear that we’d look to consult widely on what a future offering should look like and I’m delighted to announce that this will be launched on Tuesday.

“I’ve been particularly keen to explore what appetite there is for extending the age of discounted travel up to 24 year olds, potentially allowing us to help more young people make the most of bus travel across Wales.

“Based on the outcome of this consultation, a new scheme for young people will then be introduced in April 2018 – one that best reflects the needs and preferences of our young people and helps further boost bus travel as an option.”

Lesley Griffiths, Wrexham’s Assembly Member, hopes local young people will have their say and said: “Discounted bus travel would make a big difference to young people in and around Wrexham, enabling greater access to employment, education and training, as well as providing independence.”

“This consultation will help deliver an improved scheme. I am sure an extension of the current programme will be welcomed and I will also raise the subject of cross border connections, which is clearly a key issue locally.”

The consultation ends at 11:59pm on January 4th 2018 and can be viewed in full and completed, here.