**Unpacking the Controversy:** Why Young Children Might Face Higher Bus Fares than Teens in Wales

Recent plans to discount bus travel for young people in Wales have come under fire for seemingly favoring older teens over younger riders. This initiative, resulting from a deal between the Welsh government and the Liberal Democrats, proposes a trial scheme that caps single bus fares at £1 for those aged 16-21. However, critics, including Plaid Cymru, are raising alarms, arguing that this cap excludes under-16s, putting them at a financial disadvantage.

Transport Secretary Ken Skates is in active negotiations with bus companies, aiming to ensure the younger demographic—specifically 11 to 15-year-olds—are not left paying higher fares than the proposed cap. Current fare structures show that for children aged 5 to 15, prices are significantly steeper, with Cardiff fares reaching £1.70 for a single journey, and up to £2 in Swansea depending on distance.

Plaid Cymru’s transport spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths, criticized the scheme as a “botched job,” suggesting that the hasty implementation reflects a lack of thought from the Labour Welsh government. He emphasized that the new fare structure could disadvantage learners traveling to school—especially when fares for older youths are dropped to that alluring £1 rate.

While discussions about adjusting under-16 bus fares continue, Skates remains optimistic, asserting that there’s a collaborative effort in place with operators to evaluate and potentially reduce costs for younger passengers. He expressed commitment to resolving these fare discrepancies before the launch of the new scheme, which is projected for September. As this situation unfolds, those concerned about fairness in public transport pricing for young people will be watching closely.