5. Statement by the Minister for Economy and Transport: Concessionary Travel

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:40 pm on 8 October 2019.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 4:40, 8 October 2019

Sorry. I'm pleased to—. I apologise—just three more questions that the Member raised.

In terms of a grace period, I can tell Members today that it is my intention to have a short grace period of up to a month. I’m confident that, based on 210,000 applications already being made, we will see the vast majority of applications processed by the end of November. In terms of cross-border services, yes, I’m acutely aware of the need to ensure that we have a system in place that enables people to cross to and from Wales and England. The key thing is that we need the English system to be more generous, and it’s something that I have raised in the past with the Secretary of State. It’s something that I will raise again in the coming months. And in terms of benefits and entitlements for younger people, I’m pleased that we’ve been able to extend entitlements for younger people from the original MyTravelPass scheme. But, as I said earlier, the broader vision for bus services in Wales would see fairer, more affordable fares, and flat rates if possible, introduced across the country that would enable younger people to travel by bus and not have to choose the car in any community.