A new agreement has been signed by leading figures in the bus industry and public sector to deliver better, more integrated bus services across Wales.
The agreement includes emergency funding of £37m from Welsh Government to ‘fundamentally reshape’ local service and support the bus industry over the coming year. The aim is to help tackle the challenges of the pandemic, the environment and changing working patterns.
Bus Users has welcomed the announcement which puts the needs of local communities at the heart of the bus network, prioritising transport for education, increased services and more accessible routes and services.
The agreement will also support integration across transport modes with smart ticketing and integrated timetabling, and will provide a framework for closer partnership working between the public sector and bus operators.
Barclay Davies, Bus Users Director for Wales, said: “This is great news for local communities across Wales.
“Throughout the pandemic we have called for funding for bus services to ensure that all those without access to a car can make essential journeys. This agreement goes a step further. Not only will it help to protect services in the short-term, it should also ensure that in the future, bus services offer a sustainable and convenient alternative to the car.â€
Find out more about the new partnership for bus travel in Wales