New bus Bill proposed as First Minister announces public transport shake up
A new bus Bill has been proposed by the Wales First Minister. This would see moving the bus industry in Wales away from a privatised system.
Speaking at the Senedd, Wales First Minister, Vaughan Gething, said: “This Government will radically shake up the way the public transport system works in Wales, including legislating for a new bus Bill. It means moving from a privatised system that puts profit before people to a system that brings buses and trains together around the needs of people.”
The CPT says bus operators are asking the Welsh Government to work with the industry to build a system that retains current local knowledge and innovation capacity.
“To meet the needs of passengers, it is vital that Welsh Government works with the industry to build a system that retains the local knowledge and innovation capacity of private bus operators” – Aaron Hill, Director, Confederation of Passenger Transport Wales
Aaron Hill, Director, Confederation of Passenger Transport Wales, said: “CPT Wales will work closely with Welsh Government on their proposals for reform, and urge them to consider the proposals we made last year for a ‘minimum subsidy’ franchise that could deliver 40m more bus journeys across Wales.
“Buses are an essential part of the social and economic fabric of Wales. To meet the needs of passengers, it is vital that Welsh Government works with the industry to build a system that retains the local knowledge and innovation capacity of private bus operators.”