CPT Cymru recommends ‘minimum subsidy model’
Responding to today’s publication of the Bus Services (Wales) Bill, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) welcomed the Government’s ambition to build a long term plan for buses but urged ministers to maintain room for commercial innovation.
CPT Cymru recommends a ‘minimum subsidy model’ for buses which it says presents a lower risk to the public purse than a move to complete Manchester or London-style control.
Under this model, the Welsh Government would specify a base bus network, set fares, decide on branding and determine the type of vehicle used on each route. Bus companies would bid to run services according to this specification but could propose enhancements to attract more passengers, offer special tickets or reduce costs through innovation and efficiency.
The CPT emphasised that any commitment to regulate buses must be backed by sufficient funding – noting that the franchised bus network in London, for example, costs £700m more than the money generated by fares.
And bus operators pointed out that key to increasing passenger numbers is tackling congestion and implementing policies to speed up buses – including taking buses out of traffic and co-ordinating roadworks.
“Simply changing who’s in charge won’t guarantee success” – Aaron Hill, Director of CPT Cymru
Aaron Hill, Director of CPT Cymru, said: “Buses account for three quarters of public transport journeys in Wales and we share the Government’s goal of running frequent, reliable and affordable services nationwide. We want to deliver a public transport system that presents a convenient alternative to travelling by car, wherever you may be going.
“Bus operators recognise the Welsh Government’s democratic mandate for change. But Wales is not the same as London or Manchester and we need a model that works throughout our cities, towns, villages and rural areas.
“We urge the Government to opt for a ‘minimum subsidy’ model which combines central control with a focus on customers and commercial incentives to deliver improvements.
“Simply changing who’s in charge won’t guarantee success – passengers will only see better buses if commitments are backed by adequate funding, and by steps to speed up buses by taking them out of traffic congestion.”