Legislation to reform how local bus services are planned and delivered in Wales has received Royal Assent and become law, marking a significant shift in public transport policy.
The Bus Services (Wales) Bill was officially sealed in Cardiff on Monday 2 February, with First Minister Eluned Morgan hailing it as ‘a historic day for public transport in Wales.’
The new law aims to transform local bus services across both rural and urban areas by giving the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales greater authority to co-ordinate routes, timetables and ticketing in collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders.
Officials say the move will help design services that better meet community needs, although transition will be gradual, with rollout planned regionally from 2027 to 2030.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, added: ‘These changes won’t be seen overnight, it’s going to take time, but we are working closely with the industry and local authorities to plan and deliver bus services to meet the needs of passengers today and for generations to come.’
