Transport minister rejects calls for free youth travel

Published

3 months ago

October 10, 2024

THE WELSH Government poured cold water on calls for free public transport for young people.

Ken Skates, Wales’ transport secretary, warned that financial pressures make it impossible to both bring buses back under public control and offer free transport for youngsters.

In his response to a Senedd report on free public transport, Mr Skates said the Welsh Government would instead focus limited resources on reversing 40 years of privatisation.

He said: “We cannot commit to free fares for young people at this time.”

Wales’ children’s commissioner, petitioners and the Welsh Youth Parliament have all added their voices to a chorus of calls for a free travel scheme.

And, as part of an inquiry, Senedd members took evidence on the feasibility of Wales following Scotland’s lead by making buses free for under-22s.

But the Welsh Government rejected half of the petitions committee recommendations.

Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the committee, raised petitioners’ concerns about public transport being unaffordable, with rail, coach and bus tickets up 33 to 74% in ten years.

She said this is especially worrying given that 23% of people have no access to a car.

Leading a Senedd debate on October 9, the Labour MS said the Welsh Government had hoped to explore capped fares but budgetary pressures have made this difficult.

Ms Thomas, who is also chair of the cross-party group on public transport, warned much is hanging on planned bus reforms and the introduction of franchising.

She told the Senedd: “I believe that the will is there to replace existing concessions with universal free or low-cost travel for our young people here in Wales.

“I am hopeful that, even in these straitened times, a way can be found to achieve this sooner rather than later. And, in the meantime, young people will continue to struggle.

“They deserve the best that can be offered to help them to thrive.”

The Conservatives’ Peter Fox said free public transport for young people has long been a policy that his party has advocated for.

Mr Fox, who represents Monmouth, told the Senedd a free travel scheme would help young people broaden their horizons and reach their full potential.

The former council leader raised concerns about the accessibility of public transport, particularly in rural Wales, due to “chronic underfunding”.

Mr Fox said Wales desperately needs investment to drastically improve public transport as he urged Welsh ministers not to “settle for being shortchanged” by Westminster.

He said: “This Welsh Government must make Wales a more inviting place for young people, providing them with more opportunities and a greater ability to move around.”

Peredur Owen Griffiths, Plaid Cymru’s shadow transport secretary, described the context for the committee’s report as stark with a cost-of-living crisis, a pandemic and years of austerity.

He asked: “Is it any wonder our young people are looking for some hope?”

Mr Owen Griffiths criticised “chronic underinvestment” in the rail network and “massive cuts” to bus services while the costs continue to increase.

He said soaring fares hit young people hardest because they often rely on public transport to access education, employment and social opportunities.

Mr Owen Griffiths, who represents South Wales East, warned Wales has the highest number of young people not in employment, education or training across the UK.

Responding to the debate, Mr Skates stressed that the Welsh Government fully supports the conclusions of the report and recognises the potential benefits.

But, pointing to continued funding constraints, the transport secretary said the focus will be on driving forward progress on a bus bill to enable changes to fare structures.

He told the Senedd he has asked officials to work with the children’s commissioner’s office to understand the barriers to encouraging more young people to use public transport.

Mr Skates pointed to the Welsh Government-funded MyTravelPass discount scheme.

The transport secretary committed to developing a fairer fares scheme in future “as we take back control of public transport in Wales”.

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

13 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

15 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.