I’ve only just started, sorry. Our debate today outlines a realistic, costed and positive policy. Indeed, one might realistically expect the Welsh Government to support this, given that it goes so far in meeting their objectives for young people, outlined in their ‘Prosperity for All’ document, and is a credible alternative to the current system.

Just 15,000 young people aged 16 to 18 have applied for a Welsh Government mytravelpass, out of a total of 113,000. Now, forgive me for thinking there is something wrong with that. That statistic alone says their message isn’t getting through. This is a take-up rate of just 13 per cent, yet the Welsh Government’s current consultation fails to even ask the question about how we can encourage more young people to sign up to the scheme. This is a real concern, because we know that 23 per cent of drivers that are involved in motorised vehicle accidents and 21 per cent of those involved in serious or fatal accidents are aged 24 or under. So, we need to be actively encouraging alternative and greener transport options where possible.

Our proposals to extend free bus travel entitlements to all 16 to 24-year-olds is the simplest, most open and accessible option. Universal eligibility should encourage take-up and, in those areas with our busiest roads, work to reduce congestion and accidents. Additionally, the relief of the burden of transport costs will more relieve the more broad economic challenges faced by our young people here in Wales today. Savings in petrol, insurance, initial car purchases: they actually mount up to a similar figure to a house deposit within a few years for some young people. The average cost of car insurance for a 17-year-old, for example, is now a staggering £2,272 a year. Coupled with this, Welsh workers have the lowest take-home pay of all the home nations, with weekly median wages for 18 to 21-year-olds just 40 per cent of those for 40 to 49-year-olds. Further, the employment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds is considerably lower here than in England and Scotland, and 57,400 people aged 16 to 24 are classed as NEETs—not in employment, education or training.

Now, given that almost 40 per cent of jobseekers say that their job search is limited because of the costs involved, it is clear that access via free bus travel really can make a hugely positive difference here. Eighteen years on from the establishment of this Assembly, Welsh Labour, with the occasional help from Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems, have failed to address the needs of our young people, who face some of the worst employment opportunities in the UK. This policy is clear and immediately effective, and I do urge parties from across this Chamber to support our motion today. Diolch.