Plans for a new Welsh bus network, where bus companies will be able to bid to run subsidised franchises with routes focused on public transport integration rather than profit maximisation, have taken another step forward.
The Welsh Government has set out its roadmap for bus reform, which builds on a white paper. The current model sees private bus operators in receipt of Welsh Government subsidies, effectively deciding their own routes, with a focus on those that are most profitable.
This is being replaced by a system of “franchised” contracts with Transport for Wales, local councils and the Welsh Government collaborating to a design a bus network with services integrated into train timetables under a single ticketing system.
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Companies will then be able to bid to run the whole package of routes for an area, not just the ones that are the most profitable.
Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters, who has announced he is standing down from the role when a new First Minister is appointed later this month, said: “We’re moving from a privatised system that puts profit before people towards one that will plan buses and trains together around the needs of passengers.
“This is the most far-reaching set of reforms taking place anywhere in the 海角视频.
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“At the moment using your car is easy but using public transport can feel like a hassle. Our aim is to create one joined up network, one integrated timetable which you can access using one ticket. That way we will make it easier to understand how to use public transport, and it will make journeys seamless.”
The roadmap also sets out year by year targets of how the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales plan to approach the delivery of franchising bus services.
The new approach is proposed to be rolled out on a geographical basis and will take several years to achieve.
Mr Waters said: “This marks a major milestone on our bus reform journey. For too long Welsh bus services have been neglected with passenger numbers steadily falling and some bus routes being cut.
“It’s not going to be an easy fix and it’s going to take time, but bus reform is central to creating an integrated public transport network and tackling transport poverty across Wales.
“Connecting up bus, rail, walking and cycling routes we’ll make it easier for people to make more sustainable choices, which is essential if we are to hit our ambitious sustainability goals in Wales.
“The steps that we have outlined puts people before profit and makes the right thing to do, the easy thing to do.”