Free bus travel in Wales for Ukrainians and all refugees

TWO Welsh schemes were anounced at the weekend to help people fleeing conflict and abuse around the world.

The Welcome Ticket, which will be available to refugees and people arriving from Ukraine, will cover the majority of bus services running in Wales and builds on the free six-month rail travel pilot, which was announced a few weeks ago.

It provides all eligible people free, unlimited travel on local bus services, including those operating into England where the journey starts or finishes in Wales.

The Welcome Ticket scheme will run for six months, ending on September 30.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters said: “This free bus scheme – called Welcome Ticket – will be available to all refugees who are already here or are arriving in Wales and will allow unlimited free travel on the majority of local bus services across Wales and those operating to England, if they start or finish in Wales.

“This is a major step forward in ensuring refugees and people from Ukraine can travel freely across Wales.

“It will help them to integrate into Wales and make a positive contribution to our nation.

“I want to pay tribute to all those bus companies across Wales for taking part in this scheme.

“It demonstrates their commitment to making Wales a real nation of sanctuary.”

The Welcome Ticket is a voluntary scheme in which bus companies across Wales can choose to take part in.

People will need to show evidence of their eligibility for the scheme, which maybe their passport, visa or biometric residence permit when boarding. They will then be given a Welcome Ticket by the bus driver.

Welsh monuments authority Cadw has also announced their scheme to offer free individual or family entry to all Cadw sites for refugees.