March 31 2025

  • Bus operators welcome ambition for a long-term plan for public transport
  • CPT recommends a ‘minimum subsidy’ model combining central control with commercial incentives
  • Passengers will benefit if changes to regulation are backed by funding and by measures to relieve traffic congestion

Bus operators today pledged to work closely with the Welsh government in its goal of delivering frequent, reliable, affordable buses for passengers across the country.

Responding to today’s publication of the Bus Services (Wales) Bill, the Confederation of Passenger Transport welcomed the Government’s ambition to build a long term plan for buses but urged ministers to maintain room for commercial innovation.

CPT Cymru, which is the voice of the bus and coach industry across Wales, recommends a ‘minimum subsidy model’ for buses which presents a lower risk to the public purse than a move to complete Manchester or London-style control.

Under this model, the Welsh Government would specify a base bus network, set fares, decide on branding and determine the type of vehicle used on each route. Bus companies would bid to run services according to this specification but could propose enhancements to attract more passengers, offer special tickets or reduce costs through innovation and efficiency.

The CPT emphasised that any commitment to regulate buses must be backed by sufficient funding – noting that the franchised bus network in London, for example, costs £700 million more than the money generated by fares.

And bus operators pointed out that key to increasing passenger numbers is tackling congestion and implementing policies to speed up buses – including taking buses out of traffic and co-ordinating roadworks.

Aaron Hill, Director of CPT Cymru, said:

“Buses account for three quarters of public transport journeys in Wales and we share the Government’s goal of running frequent, reliable and affordable services nationwide. We want to deliver a public transport system that presents a convenient alternative to travelling by car, wherever you may be going.

 “Bus operators recognise the Welsh Government’s democratic mandate for change. But Wales is not the same as London or Manchester and we need a model that works throughout our cities, towns, villages and rural areas.

“We urge the Government to opt for a ‘minimum subsidy’ model which combines central control with a focus on customers and commercial incentives to deliver improvements.

“Simply changing who’s in charge won’t guarantee success – passengers will only see better buses if commitments are backed by adequate funding, and by steps to speed up buses by taking them out of traffic congestion.”