Coach and bus operators to get Welsh ‘firebreak’ funding

Coach and bus operators affected by the ‘firebreak’ lockdown are eligible for the newly extended Economic Resilience Fund. The news was announced by Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales.

The Fund is being enhanced, with £300 million available to provide financial support to businesses during the ‘firebreak’ lockdown due to start on Friday (23 October).

Lee Waters said: “The Welsh Government will make sure that buses and trains continue to operate in peak hours to enable key workers to do their jobs, but outside of the main commuting times we have asked Transport for Wales and bus operators to reduce services for the lockdown period.

“This is not straightforward due to de-registering routes, rostering staff, and interlinking services. This was why we briefed operators last Friday that we were considering introducing measures. We did so in good faith, and I am disappointed that was breeched.”

He continued: “Both bus and coach companies are eligible for ERF. Indeed many have already benefited from previous phases of the ERF. We are also working with several operators on decarbonising and modernising their fleets. This is something I want to see more of in future.”

CPT Cymru Director, John Pockett, said: “Bus operators in Wales have worked hard to amend services as necessary given the lockdown restrictions and they will work equally hard to ramp services up again once the fire-break lockdown ends.

 “CPT and bus operators will continue to work with the Welsh Government during this challenging time so that we can endeavour to ensure we are running the services passengers need.”

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