The next steps to delivering bus reform for Wales have been set
out by Deputy Minister for Climate Change, today.
‘Our Roadmap to Bus Reform’ https://www.gov.wales/bus-reform-wales-our-roadmap-franchising
builds on the proposals of the bus white paper to radically
shake-up the way the public transport system works in Wales.
“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”, , the Minister with responsibility for transport said.
The current system where bus operators decide where to run
services based on where they can maximise profit will be replaced
by a system of ‘franchised’ contracts.
Transport for Wales, local Councils and the Welsh Government will
work together to design bus networks that link key services and
tie up with other buses and with train timetables all using one
ticket.
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.
“This is the most far-reaching set of reforms taking place
anywhere in the UK” the Deputy Minister added.
“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 to Bus Reform sets out year by year targets of how
the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales plan to approach the
delivery of franchising bus services in Wales.
This includes how we intend to work closely with partners and
stakeholders, such as local authorities and bus operators to
design and deliver services that are ‘easy to use, easy to access
and well connected’ for communities across Wales.
This new approach is proposed to be rolled out on a geographical
basis and will take several years to achieve.
The Deputy Minister continued: “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 today puts people before profit
and makes the right thing to do, the easy thing to do.”
