News

Welsh government announces £1 bus fare for under-21s

Published

10 months ago

February 20, 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has unveiled a new initiative allowing young people across Wales to travel by bus for just £1 per journey. The scheme, set to launch in September 2025, has been met with widespread approval, including strong support from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).

The £15 million pilot programme will enable those aged 21 and under to travel anywhere in Wales for £1 per trip. The move aims to improve access to education, employment, and social opportunities while encouraging greater use of public transport among young people.

Aaron Hill, Director of CPT Cymru, welcomed the announcement, describing it as a much-needed step in supporting the next generation of public transport users.

“Encouraging young people to travel by bus is an investment in the wellbeing of future generations. This is great news for young people across Wales who will be able to travel more affordably to work, to education and to see friends and family in local communities,” he said.

“This initiative is long overdue: until today, Wales was the only nation in Great Britain with no national scheme to reduce fares for bus users. Every pound invested in bus services brings £4.55 of benefits to the environment, the health of the nation and to communities. Bus operators look forward to working with the Welsh Government to ensure that this scheme can be delivered successfully, is financially sustainable, and that taxpayers get the best possible value for money.”

The scheme is part of a broader effort to enhance public transport accessibility and affordability in Wales. Currently, the mytravelpass scheme, funded by the Welsh Government, provides discounted bus fares of approximately one-third for those aged 16 to 21. The introduction of the £1 fare represents a significant expansion of affordable travel options for young people.

Bus operators across Wales have expressed their willingness to collaborate with the Welsh Government to ensure the smooth implementation of the scheme. Industry leaders have highlighted the potential economic and environmental benefits, citing evidence that investment in bus services yields a significant return in terms of public and environmental health.

The initiative is also part of a wider £15 million package that includes additional funding for local councils and social care services. With bus companies keen to engage in discussions about its long-term sustainability, the scheme is expected to shape the future of public transport policy in Wales.

The Welsh Government hopes that the initiative will not only provide immediate cost savings for young travellers but also promote long-term public transport use, reducing car dependency and supporting environmental goals.

Further details on how young people can access the new fares are expected to be released in the coming months as preparations for the September 2025 rollout continue.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.