New Bill to overhaul bus networks in Wales

A new Bill has been introduced in the Senedd which, should it pass, will provide the power to create a bus network that meets passenger needs by ensuring there is one network, one timetable, and one ticket across buses in Wales.

The Bus Services (Wales) Bill will orchestrate a collaboration between Transport for Wales, local authorities, and Corporate Joint Committees to ensure bus services are planned and co-ordinated at a national level and rollout through franchised contracts by private, third, and public sector operators.

Cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “This is a historic day for public transport in Wales, as proposals for bus reform being their journey through the Senedd. This is about putting people first by providing one network, one timetable and one ticket across Wales.

“Change is needed. While many bus services work well, and some areas are well-served, it is not the case everywhere and for everyone. I want to see a bus network which puts people and communities first, with reliable, affordable and easy-to-use services; joined-up services which link with other forms of transport such as trains and active travel.

“The benefits of better bus services are clear and include increasing equity for those who need public transport the m out and providing an alternative to the car.”

Buses make up three quarters of all public transport journeys, with 190,000 journeys made by bus every day in Wales. The Bill aims to address long-standing barriers to using buses, such as poor reliability, tickets not being accepted across multiple operators, and a lack of integration with other modes of transport.

The roll-out is expected to start in South West Wales in 2027, before North Wales in 2028, South East Wales in 2029, and Mid Wales in 2030. Although Mid Wales is the final region, it will benefit from much earlier improvements through the Bridge to Franchising work currently underway.