TEENAGERS in Wales will still be eligible for discounted bus tickets despite a pass scheme being scrapped next month, it has been announced.

Last month it was announced the Welsh Government’s MyTravelPass scheme, which offers 16-18-year-olds a third off bus fares, would end in March.

The Welsh Government claimed the scheme, which was launched in September 2015 and was used by more than 8,000 young people, was always intended as a pilot and had not been as successful as hoped.

But, following claims the move would make it more difficult for young people to get to education or work, economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates announced yesterday, Tuesday, an agreement had been reached with councils and bus firms meaning discounts will continue in the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

“I have always been clear in my commitment to encouraging young people to use our buses and, with a review showing that 91 per cent of respondents used the bus or a coach to travel at least once a week for shopping, work, school or college, there is clearly an appetite in Wales for a scheme of this nature,” he said.

Existing passholders will see no difference while youngsters will still be able to apply for new passes.

A new Youth Travel Pass will be launched in 2018.

Mr Skates added: “Younger people need a better, more attractive offer to encourage them to consider the bus when making travel choices.

“I am exploring a range of ambitious options to achieve this.”

South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar, who had called for the Welsh Government to reverse its decision, said he was concerned the new scheme would meet the same fate as its predecessor.

The Conservative AM said: “Ministers must ensure any new scheme has the necessary support to ensure it is a long-term success so young people, particularly from our deprived communities, can find the education, training or job opportunities they so rightly deserve.”