YOUNG people in Monmouthshire will be able to save money on travelling after a discount scheme was launched on Wednesday 22nd July.

Available nationwide, 16-18 year olds will be eligible for the Welsh Young Persons Discounted Scheme (WYPDT) where, after applying for a travel card online, they will receive a third off bus fares.

Funded by the Welsh Government and revealed last week by First Minister Carwyn Jones, the WYPDT was first designed to help young people travel to and from training or jobs, but has now been expanded to cover all bus journeys.

Cards can be applied for now and the scheme begins on Tuesday 1st September.

Mr Jones said: “It is vital that our young people are able to access jobs and training opportunities in Wales more easily.

“We recognise that travelling costs can sometimes be a barrier and this scheme aims to change that by making it easier and cheaper for 16-18 year olds to travel around Wales.”

The Welsh Government has allocated £5million to the introduction of the scheme in 2015-16, and a further £9.75million in 2016-17.

Richard Cope, Business Manager (Passenger Transport and Transport Strategy) for Monmouthshire County Council, said: “The council’s involvement with the young person’s travel scheme is welcomed as it provides discounted bus travel for young persons as well as revenue to support operators and bus services. 

“This is essential to network sustainability after previous reductions in funding. It will hopefully encourage greater public transport use by younger people.”

To register, visit gov.wales/mytravelpass