South & West Wales - De a Gorllewin Cymru

New ticket means under-18s can travel further for less.

Bus travel in the region has just got cheaper for young people living in Bridgend. Following a trial last year organised by the Welsh Assembly Government, First Cymru has unveiled a bus ticket specifically for 16-18 year olds offering them discounts off the standard adult bus fare.

Tony McNiff, Managing Director of First Cymru explains: "Travelling by bus to get to school, work and college or just to see friends is a mainstay of many young people's lives, but until now there hasn't been a product on the market specifically for this age group. WAG ran a trial last year and the uptake seemed to be good, so we've decided to create a product specifically for people aged 16-18 living in Bridgend. The ticket, which will be available to buy direct from drivers, offers a discount of £1 on the daily adult fare and £1.75 off the price of a FirstWeek ticket."

The Bridgend and County 16-18 ticket covers an extensive area, meaning young people can enjoy unlimited travel between Port Talbot - Maesteg - Porthcawl and Bridgend for just £3.50 a day (compared to £4.50 for adults) or £15.75 a week (compared to £17.50), making days out in the region even more affordable. And for those that want to travel further, they can upgrade their 16-18 ticket to cover Swansea Bay (including Mumbles), Pontardawe, Pontarddulais and the Afan Valley for just £1 extra by buying a FirstXtra add on ticket.

Those wishing to purchase the 16=18 tickets need to be in possession of a Validate Card (a voluntary proof of age card available from www.validateuk.co.uk) when they board the bus.