P-06-1346 Provide free and accessible public transport for under 18s in Wales to lower carbon emissions and boost growth

This petition was submitted by Charlie Steven Evans, having collected a total of 381 signatures.

Text of Petition:                    

Public transport plays a pivotal role in linking Welsh children to educational, social and work opportunities.

However, in light of the cost of living crisis, as well as the climate crisis, it is imperative that the Welsh Government incentivises public transport in order to lower carbon emissions and improve economic growth.

The ENYA conference in 2022, at which 2 young Welsh representatives were present, called on the Welsh Government to 'provide reliable and affordable public transport'.

Additional Information:

The Welsh Government must 'Provide reliable, frequent, available, accessible, safe and affordable public eco- friendly transport to all areas, including rural areas.' (ENOC: https://enoc.eu/wp-content/uploads/ENYA-2022-FORUM-REPORT-FV.pdf)

Germany's 9-Euro-Ticket Scheme which provided passengers with unlimited transport in regional and local areas saved 1.8 million tonnes of CO2. The scheme also led to a 80% increase in train trips to rural tourist areas. (Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9-Euro-Ticket#cite_note-16)

Public Transport is unaffordable, as Rail, Coach and Bus tickets have risen between 33% and 74% in the past decade. This is worrying, considering 23% of Wales, as well as the majority of under 18s don't have access to a car. Young people are also more at risk of experiencing transport poverty, proving a barrier to accessing educational, employment and social opportunities . (Sustrans: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/media/10425/transportpovertypaper-sustrans_eng.pdf).

Senedd Constituency and Region

• Ynys Môn
• North Wales

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