The Bus Services (Wales) Bill has been passed by the Welsh Government, paving the way for the final formal step towards major bus reform there.
The Bill, which will lead to franchised bus services being phased in regionally right across Wales, is set to be given Royal Assent in four weeks’ time.
The roll-out of franchising is intended to start in South West Wales in 2027, before moving to North Wales in 2028, South East Wales in 2029 and Mid Wales in 2030.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates says: “This is a historic day for public transport in Wales.
“[It is] a Bill that will transform the way bus services are delivered here in Wales, putting people and communities first, with reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use joined-up services.
“I understand that this is a big change for the industry, and will take time to implement across Wales, but this change is long overdue, and I’m excited about what we can deliver for the people of Wales working in collaboration.”
The Bill will automatically gain Royal Assent after the passing of four weeks without a prohibition from UK Government Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens or a challenge from the Welsh Government’s Counsel General or Attorney General.
Bus Users UK has welcomed the development.
Barclay Davies, Bus Users UK Director for Wales, says: “For so many people in Wales, the bus is a lifeline. This Bill has the potential to significantly improve services across the country, putting passengers and communities at the heart of planning and decision making.
“Buses account for 75% of all journeys made by public transport in Wales, so it is vital that sufficient funding is made available to meet the needs and aspirations of passengers.
“We have seen significant investment in our rail services; we now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revolutionise bus services and create a reliable, accessible, sustainable and comprehensive transport network for all passengers.”
Bus Users UK Chief Executive, Lydia Horbury adds: “This is an important and potentially transformative moment. The passage of the Bus Services (Wales) Bill marks a crucial opportunity to reshape bus services around people’s needs rather than purely commercial considerations.
“For many communities, especially in rural or currently underserved areas, the commitment to one network, one timetable, one ticket offers real promise of joined-up, accessible and affordable transport. However, the ultimate success of this reform will depend entirely on how it is rolled out.
“The transition will require careful planning, sustained investment and strong collaboration between public authorities, local councils, operators and communities to ensure reliability, coverage, accessibility and value for passengers.
“Bus Users UK stands ready to engage constructively in that process, to press for the best outcomes for passengers, and to help ensure the ambitions of the Bill result in real improvements for everyday bus users.”
Both Mr Barclay and CPT Cymru Director Aaron Hill have aired concerns recently over the level of funding for bus services in Wales.
Mr Hill said last month: “We’re at a pivotal moment for buses in Wales, with new regulation expected to pass into law imminently.
“However, the Bus Services Bill alone won’t secure the future of buses in Wales – it must be backed up by appropriate funding to keep fares low, maintain existing services, and put in place measures to speed up buses.
“Operators need clarity over future funding for buses to be confident that they can provide the services passengers deserve and identify opportunities for growth and decarbonisation.”
