News

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

Published

1 year 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.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

5 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.