Local authorities across Wales have welcomed plans to transform the way local bus services are planned and delivered but cautioned that its rollout will take time.
The Welsh Government introduced the Bus Services (Wales) Bill to the Senedd today that, if passed, will see bus services planned at a national level and delivered through franchised contracts by private, third and public sector operators.
Cabinet secretary for transport and north Wales, Ken Skates, said under the plan Transport for Wales will work with councils and Corporate Joint Committees to provide ‘one network, one timetable and one ticket across Wales.’
Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) leader and spokesperson for Transport, welcomed the Bill but added that ‘franchising should not be seen as an instant panacea.’
‘It will take time for this to roll out across Wales and it will need to be adequately resourced if it is going to deliver the results that we all want to see.’
