U-turn on youth bus discount scheme
In January, the Welsh Labour Government scrapped a £15m scheme to help young people get to jobs and training after only 18 months.
MyTravelPass was launched in September 2015 offering 16 to 18-year-olds a third off bus travel, and was meant to cease after March. Today the Welsh Government announced it was going to look at reversing this decision.
Responding to the announcement the Welsh Government has u-turned on its decision to scrap its youth bus discount scheme, Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Skills, Mohammad Asghar AM, has said:
“There’s been enough warm words, working groups and consultations – schemes which receive substantial amounts of taxpayers money need to deliver results as too many young people are being left behind by this complacent Labour-led Government.
“This U-turn by the Welsh Government was expected but once again highlights historical issues within the economy department over its management and implementation of investments and projects.
“The recent review showed 91% of respondents used the bus or a coach to travel at least once a week, so the failure of the previous scheme points firmly at its management, implementation and promotion.
“Ministers must ensure any new scheme has the necessary support to ensure it is a long-term success so young people – particularly from our deprived communities – can find the education, training or job opportunities they so rightly deserve.”
