The CPG received a briefing from Welsh Government representatives Lee Robinson and James Burgess on current Welsh Government policy including the Bus Services Bill and pilot fare schemes.

James Burgess

Bus services are crucial for huge number of people ¾ of all publica transport journeys.

Seen significant decline in patronage since 1985 – result of deregulation

Complex ticketing currently – info hard to find and hard to trust

White paper showed appetite for real change – over 75% support franchising

Bill establishes national bus network through TFW, want to do it through LAs and CJCs – important to recognise their knowledge and expertise.

Bill places duty to better connect buses with rail

Collection and sharing of data to manage network and make info available to public

Want to use tech to give live updates on network

Lifts ban on public authority owned bus services

Cannot run services apart from those from TfW

Want to see mix of operators running services

SMEs nervous about what franchising will mean for them

Starting in South West Wales to develop network in 2027 and then rolling out

Young people’s fare offer, £1 single ticket price with a £3 multiple journey day ticket

Plan to run it as a trial from September this year to august next year

Well received from young people and children’s commissioner

TfW working with operators to look at details

Number of challenges around eligibility

Can’t force operators to join the scheme, but hope to make it attractive to operators

Not a learner travel scheme. It is available to all 16-21 year olds.

Lee Robinson

South West – know depot and fleet requirements. Involved LAs in decision making

Next stage is consultation around packages. Will go to the public for consultation

Currently working on national overlay

One of things discussing with LAs is what will be better for passenger

It may not be a more expansive network at this stage

Taken learning and experience from TfGM and London