Welsh Government accused of launching ‘botched’ public transport pilot scheme
Plaid Cymru has accused the Welsh Government of introducing a “botched” public transport pilot scheme, which leaves 11-15 years old paying more than 16–21-year-olds.
The scheme, which will introduce £1 capped bus fares for 16–21-year-olds, a proposal welcomed by Plaid Cymru, will result in 11–15-year-olds paying more in areas such as Cardiff (£1.70), Newport (£1.70), and Swansea (£1.10-£2).
Plaid says that a series of Written Questions from its transport spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths 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 Government does not hold any formal data on the number of journeys made by 11–15-year-olds in 2024.
Budget negotiations
The pilot under scrutiny was part of the Budget negotiations between the Labour Welsh Government and the sole Liberal Democrat MS, Jane Dodds.
Peredur Owen Griffiths 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.”
Challenges
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales said: “We absolutely reject these claims. It was always the plan to develop the scheme in partnership with operators, which includes looking at fares for 11–15-year-olds, and that work is already underway.
“We recognise that with any new scheme being developed there are challenges, but we are working hard to bring real and meaningful change to young people.”
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59 year olds pay more than 60 year olds as well but no one complains about that. 16-21 year olds are entering the world of work and further education and are thinking about learning to drive which is very expensive, cheaper bus fares gives them options which may mean they don’t need to learn to drive or own their own car if they do learn.
Make public transit free to use as a public good. We don’t expect roads to turn a profit, so why should trains and buses? When someone chooses to take the train instead of a car, society, the country, and the planet benefit. And yet in nearly every case, if you already own a car, driving is cheaper. Society benefits when kids go to school, when people have access to healthcare, and when fires are prevented and quickly put out. This is why we don’t charge people to use schools, hospitals or the fire service. Make public transit free. Increased ridership… Read more »
The potential economic benefit of cheaper rail travel is huge. How many residents or visitors in London would come for a weekend in Cardiff – spending money in businesses – if it wasn’t cheaper to fly to the south of Spain than pop over on the 1h45m train? Instead their GDP contribution remains in London. But perhaps that’s intentional.