Fares and expanding services are the highest-priority themes linked to buses in parties’ manifestoes ahead of the Welsh Senedd election tomorrow (7 May), according to a review by Bus Users UK.
The analysis has found lower, capped or free fares to be the “strongest and most consistent” issue when it comes to bus policies.
Expandsion and improvement of bus services, and transport integration were two of the other themes focused on most by the contenders.
Other issues Bus Users UK highlights are modernisation of infrastructure and vehicles, support for rural services, and long-term strategy.
Plaid Cymru, which is on course to be the largest party in the Senedd, according to the latest polling, refers to bus more than any of the parties.
It wants to continue the current pilot of £1 single and £3 day tickets for under-22s, maintain free travel for over-60s and protect SMEs in franchising.
Introducing bus priority measures and better bus stops, and expanding tap-on, tap-off travel across bus and rail are also among its manifesto policies.
It also wants to introduce an express bus service from Bangor to Carmarthen to improve connections in West Wales.
The current ruling party, Welsh Labour, has promised a £2 cap on adult fares and 100 new bus routes. The £1 fare would be expanded to under-25s, Labour has said.
Reform UK, which appears set to gain a substantial number of seats, does not refer to bus in its manifesto, Bus Users UK notes.
With a single-party majority government looking unlikely, Barclay Davies, Bus Users UK Director for Wales, says: “Whoever forms the next government has a real opportunity to deliver a step-change in bus services. Passengers want a network that is affordable, reliable and designed around their needs. The foundations are there but ambition and delivery will be key.”
Bus Users UK’s manifesto ahead of the election calls for politicians to protect essential services, deliver long-term funding, prioritise sustainable and accessible travel, simplify fares and travel, strengthen passenger rights and accountability, and deliver passenger-first franchising.
Ahead of tomorrow’s elections in Scotland and Wales, the Confederation of Passenger Transport has also outlined its key asks of the new governments.
