Cheaper bus travel will be re-introduced for a third time in 2023/24 during next week’s half term period (February 12-18) – when a £1 maximum single fare will again be applied for all journeys that start and end in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The Council is pleased to announce this measure to help reduce economic barriers that may prevent people from using public transport. Similar periods of subsidised bus travel were also provided during the 2023 six-week school summer holiday, and for the entire month of December 2023 – all delivered through a UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation secured by the Council. A period of free bus travel was also introduced last financial year in March 2023.
Today’s announcement has confirmed that the £1 maximum single bus fare will be re-introduced across Rhondda Cynon Taf next week – from Monday, February 12, to Sunday, February 18, 2024.
The offer will be the same as previously implemented, covering all scheduled bus services that start and end within the County Borough boundary. The maximum £1 fare will apply regardless of the bus operator and with no time restrictions – so it will be available from the first to the last service each day. Concessionary pass holders are required to scan their passes as normal.
All journeys that start or end outside of Rhondda Cynon Taf will not be included within this offer, and bus users will be subject to the normal full fee.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “Previous periods of cheaper bus travel have proven popular with bus users, while local bus operators have also reported trends of increasing customer numbers. I’m therefore pleased to announce that the £1 maximum single bus fare will be re-introduced next week for the school half term period, from February 12-18.
“Subsidised bus travel has many benefits, including tackling economic barriers preventing people from catching the bus – particularly at a time when the cost of living remains very high. The scheme also aims to encourage more people to use public transport for their everyday journeys as an alternative to driving, which will reduce congestion on our roads and help protect the environment.
“Next week’s offer represents the fourth occasion in total where the Council has allocated funding it has secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to reduce bus fares for local residents. The Council has secured £1.1m for the current financial year, and a further £1.2m for 2024/25, which will enable us to continue to identify opportunities to introduce similar measures in the future.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, from the UK Government, has been allocated to Local Authorities to help introduce initiatives that will reduce the Cost of Living for residents. This will be achieved through measures that improve energy efficiency, and combat fuel poverty and climate change.
