A further £84.6m in emergency support for the bus industry in Wales, which is continuing to suffer with significantly reduced passenger numbers due to the pandemic, has been confirmed by the Welsh Government.
It follows £10m announced in August to help transport more people to school, college and work.
The latest funding for bus services brings Welsh Government support for the sector to £140m in the current financial year.
A new agreement – the Bus Emergency Scheme – was recently created to manage funding to the industry.
The scheme brings together Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, local authorities and bus operators to reshape Wales’ bus network and ensure funding puts the needs of passengers first.
Deputy Minister for the Economy and Transport, Lee Waters, said: "We want bus services to be meeting the needs of passengers, even in these challenging times. Our continued funding demonstrates our commitment to getting as many services as possible running in a safe way.
"The funding will provide some longer-term stability, and given ongoing uncertainties we’ll continue to work closely with local authorities and bus operators to deliver services.
Buses play a vital role in connecting communities and helping people access shops, education, work and leisure. We remain committed to providing the necessary support to ensure efficient services in the short, medium and long-term, we want bus services to be meeting the needs of passengers, even in these challenging times. Our continued funding demonstrates our commitment to getting as many services as possible running in a safe way.
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"The funding will provide some longer-term stability, and given ongoing uncertainties we’ll continue to work closely with local authorities and bus operators to deliver services.
Buses play a vital role in connecting communities and helping people access shops, education, work and leisure. We remain committed to providing the necessary support to ensure efficient services in the short, medium and long-term."
John Pockett, director of CPT Cymru, the body representing bus operators in Wales, said: This further government funding is very welcome to the bus industry which has faced a catastrophic decline in passenger numbers and revenues as a result of this awful pandemic.
"Working with our partners in the Welsh Government and local authorities, bus operators want to increase services for passengers as activities and the economy start to resume, and this financial support is a great boost in that aim for the coming months. It shows the recognition by the government of the importance of bus services to the local communities and to the Welsh economy."
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The Welsh Government is continuing discussions with operator of the Wales & Borders rail franchise KeolisAmey over long-term support, having provided £60m in emergency support back in the spring. Passengers numbers are still at around a third of pre-Covid levels.
Support for rail operating firms in England has been extended for a further 18 months, where the 海角视频 Government has effectively nationalising franchises by taking on the revenue and cost risks and paying a management fee to operators.
A new support deal between the Welsh Government's transport body, Transport for Wales, and KeolisAmey is expected to be agreed before year end.