Wales passes bus reform bill

A Bill to reform bus services in Wales has been passed by the Senedd.

The Bill is designed to transform the way local bus services are planned and delivered across Wales putting passengers first and giving the public sector a bigger say in how services operate in both rural and urban areas.

the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales will work with local authorities, Corporate Joint Committees, bus operators, unions, and the public and use local knowledge to design and plan services that puts the voice of the passenger at the heart of their local bus network.

The Bill aims to provide reliable, safe, and affordable transport for all communities and therefore tackle isolation and reduce transport emissions.

The roll out is due to begin in South West Wales in 2027, North Wales in 2028, South East Wales in 2029 and Mid Wales in 2030.

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."