A CONSULTATION is to be launched into how young people in Wales be encouraged to use buses.

The Welsh Government's economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates has announced the inquiry, with full details to be revealed on Tuesday, October 10. It will run until January.

The consultation is being launched after it was announced earlier this year that the MyTravelPass scheme, which offered young people money off bus journeys, was set to be scrapped.

Mr Skates said: “It’s absolutely vital that those who stand to gain from a future discounted travel scheme are at the heart of any decision we make."

He added: “I’ve been particularly keen to explore what appetite there is for extending the age of discounted travel up to 24-year-olds, potentially allowing us to help more young people make the most of bus travel across Wales.

“Based on the outcome of this consultation, a new scheme for young people will then be introduced in April 2018 – one that best reflects the needs and preferences of our young people and helps further boost bus travel as an option.”