Cheaper bus travel will again be offered in Rhondda Cynon Taf this school summer holiday (Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August 2025) – when a maximum single fare of £1.50 will apply to all journeys that start and end in the County Borough.
This is the seventh time that bus fares have been reduced in Rhondda Cynon Taf since summer 2023 and was most-recently in place during April 2025 for the Easter holiday period. However, it won’t be the last time this year, with plans already underway to bring it back again for the whole of December 2025! Details will be announced at a later date.
This year, the cap has been increased to £1.50, which still represents substantial savings for bus users. Over the last three years bus fares have been capped at £1, even in the face of significantly rising costs for fuel and increasing operator costs. However, to ensure we can continue to provide cheaper bus travel for residents at key periods, a small increase in the cap has been needed to balance continuously rising costs.
The subsidised cost for bus journeys will apply for the entire summer holiday period, from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August 2025. It will apply to all journeys that start and end within the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough boundary – and will be in place with all bus operators. This will apply from the first service to the last service each day, with no time restrictions in place for commuters.
The measure has been very well received in the past and is intended to help reduce economic barriers that may prevent people from using public transport, and encourage people to get out and explore all that Rhondda Cynon Taf has to offer. The scheme has been previously successful in reducing unnecessary car journeys by making public transport an attractive alternative, reducing congestion and pollution, while saving people money.
This scheme has once again been made possible thanks to important funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
During the offer period, concessionary pass holders must scan their passes as normal. All journeys that start or end outside of the Rhondda Cynon Taf boundary will not receive the offer and 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: “Every time we introduce our cheaper bus fare periods, the feedback is always positive from residents. I’m pleased the Council and local bus operators are able to offer it again throughout the summer holidays, helping residents to save some money and the opportunity to explore our wonderful town centres, parks and attractions across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“Bus operators have reported a marked rise in the number of people using local bus services during previous instalments of the offer, as we aim to tackle the barriers preventing people from catching the bus. It’s also important that we encourage people to use public transport within everyday journeys – to protect the environment, alleviate congestion on our roads, and reduce journey times.
“The offer will once again apply to all bus journeys that start and end within the Rhondda Cynon Taf boundary, and it’s hoped that this stipulation will help encourage people to explore the local area, visit our vibrant and diverse town centres, and take the opportunity to visit the hundreds of wonderful parks and play areas we have locally.
“We once again welcome the important support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which provides funding for schemes that help tackle the high cost of living. A total of £1.2m was awarded to the Council last year while an extra £1m is secured for 2025/26, enabling us to continue to bring forward measures like cheaper bus travel during targeted periods of the 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 02/07/2025