A Bill to reform bus services in Wales has today (Tuesday 9
December) been passed by the Senedd, putting Wales at the
forefront of improving bus services in the UK.
The Bus Services (Wales) Bill will 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.
Working closely with local authorities, Corporate Joint
Committees, bus operators, unions, and the public, the Welsh
Government and Transport for Wales will 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, tackling isolation and reducing transport
emissions, to offer all passengers one network, one timetable,
one ticket across Wales.
This legislation is a major step towards creating a fairer,
greener, and more connected Wales. It lays the foundations for a
modern, integrated transport system with simpler timetables to
meet the needs of passengers today and for generations to come.
Welcoming the passing of the Bill, Cabinet Secretary for
Transport and North Wales 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.”
The roll out is intended to begin in South West Wales in 2027,
before North Wales in 2028, South East Wales in 2029 and Mid
Wales in 2030.
Notes to editors
Now that Stage 4 has passed the next step will be Royal Assent
when the Bill will become an act. A date for this occasion has
not yet been set but is expected to be mid to late January 2026.
