MS, Deputy Minister for
Transport: I am pleased to announce the launch of a public consultation on
proposals to inform the drafting of key regulations under the Bus
Services (Wales) Act 2026, which received Royal Assent in
February.
Buses play a vital role in communities across Wales, connecting
people to work, education, healthcare and leisure. This
legislation is intended to place people at the heart of how
services are planned and delivered, supporting a more consistent,
reliable and accessible network.
This consultation focuses on three key areas of the Act:
- Contracts (section 11) the Act enables the Welsh Ministers to
make regulations specifying the terms to be included in local bus
service contracts.
- Provision of information to the Welsh Ministers (sections 27
and 28) the Act enables Welsh Ministers to make regulations
governing the provision of information and data about local bus
services.
- Application of TUPE Regulations (section 37) which enables
the Welsh Ministers to make regulations to provide for the
application of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of
Employment) Regulations 2006 to transfers of employees in
relation to local bus service contracts.
These proposals have been developed through engagement with local
authorities, operators, trade unions and the wider sector,
recognising the importance of strong partnership in delivering
meaningful and lasting improvements to local bus services.
I invite all those with an interest in local bus services in
Wales to share their views. This feedback will play an important
role in shaping the regulations, helping to ensure they deliver a
system that meets the needs of people and communities across
Wales.
