The Welsh Bus Services Bill has officially received Royal Assent, becoming law.
The Bus Services (Wales) Bill, which looks to reform the way local bus services are both planned and delivered within Wales, was officially sealed by First Minister Eluned Morgan at a ceremony in Cardiff today (Monday 2 February).
Over the coming weeks and months, the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales will continue work with local authorities, Corporate Joint Committees, bus operators, unions, and the public in order to incorporate local knowledge in the design and planning of new services.
First Minister, Eluned Morgan said:This is a historic day for public transport in Wales – it sends out a clear message that we are committed to improving the bus system and delivering better, more reliable services for the people of Wales.
Buses are lifelines for many communities across Wales connecting people to jobs, health services, education and friends, and I’m excited to see the improvements that are coming.
The initial rollout will begin in Southwest Wales in 2027, before being introduced in North Wales in 2028, Southeast Wales in 2029 and Mid Wales in 2030.
The Bus Services (Wales) Bill was first passed on 09 December, and will seek to lay the foundation for a new, integrated transport system with simplified ticketing and timetables.
