A discounted bus travel scheme for young people in Wales has got off to a successful start receiving 7,000 applications in its first year.

The mytravelpass scheme, which provides people in Wales aged 16, 17 and 18 with a third off their bus travel, is celebrating its first anniversary this month.

Funded by the Welsh Government and administered by public transport information provider, Traveline Cymru, mytravelpass was launched to ease transport costs, which can be a barrier for young people when trying to access jobs and training opportunities.

Jo Foxall, marketing manager at mytravelpass, said: "It’s great to see that Wales’ young people are taking advantage of the scheme when they travel using public transport. The card is free and the scheme is available across Wales, those eligible can apply online on the mytravelpass website, via post or over the phone by calling 0300 200 22 33. We hope that more 16 to 18 years olds resident in Wales will take advantage of this opportunity and apply for their pass.”

Economy and Infrastructure secretary, Ken Skates said: “The mytravelpass scheme shows our commitment to supporting young people into work and education. We understand that transport costs can be a barrier for young people and mytravelpass is designed to make it cheaper and easier for the 110,000 16-18 year across Wales to use the bus. 

 “It’s great so see that 7,000 young people have signed up to the scheme in the first year and I’d encourage all of those eligible to register their interest and take full advantage.”

For further information on the mytravelpass scheme, people are encouraged to visit the website mytravelpass.gov.wales, follow facebook.com/MytravelpassFyngherdynteithio on Facebook and @mytravelpass on Twitter or call 0300 200 22 33.

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