A new Welsh Bill has been passed that aims to reform bus services across the country, transforming the way that local services are planned and delivered by bringing all services back into public control.
The Bus Services (Wales) Bill was passed yesterday (09 December), and will see local authorities, Corporate Joint Committees, bus operators, unions, and the public, the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales come together to design and plan services that address a number of existing passenger problems.
It aims to provide safe, reliable and affordable transport for communities across Wales, whilst tackling isolation and reducing transport emissions in order to offer one single network across the country.
The announcement is expected to lay the foundation for a new, integrated transport system with simplified ticketing and timetables.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said:This is a historic day for public transport in Wales.
A Bill that will transform the way bus services are delivered here in Wales putting people and communities first, with reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use joined up services.
I understand that this is a big change for the industry, and will take time to implement across Wales, but this change is long overdue, and I’m excited about what we can deliver for the people of Wales working in collaboration.
The transition is expected to begin in South West Wales in 2027, before moving on to North Wales in 2028, South East Wales in 2029 and Mid Wales in 2030.
