Plaid Cymru criticise Labour Gov for ‘botched’ pilot scheme unfair on teenagers

Plaid Cymru Transport spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths has criticised the Labour Government’s ‘botched’ pilot that leaves 11-15 years old paying more for public transport compared to 16-21 year olds.

The pilot scheme, which will introduce £1 capped bus fares for 16-21 year olds, a proposal welcomed by Plaid Cymru, will mean that 11-15 year olds are being treated unfairly, paying more than their 16-21 year old counterparts.

In areas such as Cardiff (£1.70), Newport (£1.70), and Swansea (£1.10-£2), 11-15 year olds will be paying more than the new capped fares under the new pilot.

A series of Written Questions from Mr Owen Griffiths has revealed that the impact of the pilot on 5-15 year olds was not considered before the policy announcement, as negotiations are ‘currently’ taking place with bus operators. It was also revealed that the Labour Welsh Government does not hold any formal data on the amount of journeys made by 11-15 year olds in 2024.

Peredur Owen Griffiths MS has criticised the implementation of the pilot, accusing the Welsh Government of ‘a botched job’ in order to secure support for their ‘unambitious’ Budget.

The pilot in question was part of the Budget negotiations between the Labour Welsh Government and the sole Liberal Democrat MS, Jane Dodds.

Plaid Cymru transport spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths MS, said:

“Plaid Cymru strongly agrees with the principle behind the Government’s pilot scheme for bus fare caps, but the proposals put forward show all the signs of a botched job, designed in haste to pass this Labour Welsh Governments unambitious Budget, without consideration on the impact on other groups.

“Not only does this pilot make the fare system unfair for younger teens, it’s a kick in the teeth to learners who have long struggled with the inefficiencies of the learner travel measure for years. Under the new system, learners travelling to schools will be at a disadvantage to 16-21 years old.

“The Welsh Government’s own review of the learner travel measure 2022 said doing nothing wasn’t an option, yet here we are. Despite promises to act, there’s been no meaningful change to mileage thresholds, no full legislative review, and even minor updates to guidance haven’t reached consultation.

“The implementation process of this pilot shows not only the lack of consideration to legislation by this Labour Welsh Government, but also shows further disregard to an age group dependent on public transport to access education, hampering their ability to succeed.”