Welsh first minister Vaughan Gething has announced plans to introduce bus franchising legislation to the devolved nation in the remainder of the current Senedd term.
Mr Gething said that the legislation will include ‘measures to improve transport links across the country, protect people and communities, and tackle the climate emergency’.
The ‘Bus Bill' would be top of a list of forthcoming measures which will enable all levels of government in Wales to work together to design one joined up bus network that puts passengers before profit and helps people move away from using cars for every journey’.
The devolved administration announced in March that it would take forward franchising, based on proposals set out in its earlier bus white paper.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Gething said: 'From completely reshaping the public transport system to protecting our critical infrastructure and safeguarding the environment, our ambitious legislative programme will make a real difference to the lives of people all across Wales.'
Bus operators responded to the annoucnement by inviting the devolved government to work with them to build a system that 'retains current local nowledge and innovation capacity'.
Merthyr Tydfil 2024. image: Shutterstock
Aaron Hill, director of the Confederation of Passenger Transport Wales said: 'CPT Wales will work closely with Welsh Government on their proposals for reform, and urge them to consider the proposals we made last year for a “minimum subsidy” franchise that could deliver 40 million more bus journeys across Wales.
‘Buses are an essential part of the social and economic fabric of Wales. To meet the needs of passengers, it is vital that Welsh Government works with the industry to build a system that retains the local knowledge and innovation capacity of private bus operators.’
Mr Gething also confirmed that his administration would consult on a draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles Bill.
