Cheaper bus travel will again be offered in Rhondda Cynon Taf this school summer holiday (July 22 to September 1) – when a maximum single fare of £1 will apply to all journeys that start and end in the County Borough.
The Council is pleased to announce that, for the fourth period since 2023, the maximum £1 fee will apply across all operators and with no time restrictions – so the subsidised bus travel will be available from the first service to the last service each day. The offer was previously applied in the 2023 summer holiday, the month of December 2023, and from February 12-18 during 2024.
The measure is intended to help reduce economic barriers that may prevent people from using public transport. It continues to be delivered by the Council and bus operators with funding secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Today’s announcement has confirmed that the £1 maximum single bus fare will be re-introduced across Rhondda Cynon Taf during the school summer holiday – from Monday, July 22, to Sunday, September 1, 2024. This includes the period of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, which is being hosted by Pontypridd and Rhondda Cynon Taf from August 3-10.
The offer will be the same as previously implemented, covering all scheduled services that start and end within the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough boundary. Concessionary pass holders must 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: “I’m very pleased that we are once again able to introduce the maximum £1 bus fare for all journeys that start and end in Rhondda Cynon Taf – which will run for the entire school summer holiday. We’ve had very positive feedback on the three previous occasions we’ve offered this subsidy, while also experiencing a significant uptake in the number of people catching the bus for local journeys.
“The upcoming offer will also coincide with the National Eisteddfod of Wales which is being hosted in Pontypridd during August – helping local individuals and families to access this national event with cheaper public transport.
“Encouraging more people to catch the bus for their everyday journeys, as an alternative to driving, has many advantages – protecting the environment, reducing traffic congestion on our roads, and reducing journey times. These periods of cheaper travel will tackle economic barriers that may prevent people from using the bus, while also encouraging further uptake in the future.
“The offer has been made possible after the Council secured important funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for schemes that help tackle the cost of living crisis. Last year’s funding totalled £1.1m, while an additional £1.2m is secured for 2024/25. This will enable us to look into opportunities to introduce further measures throughout the remainder of the financial year.”
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.
Posted on 09/07/2024