Plaid set out vision for Regional Bodies to deliver bus services in Wales

Plaid Cymru’s Transport Spokesperson Dai Lloyd AM has called on the Welsh Government to proceed with the development of regional publicly-owned bus companies in Wales.

Dr. Lloyd set out his party’s position following reports that the Welsh Government are considering allowing local authorities to establish publicly-owned companies as part of a consultation into the sustainability of bus services.

Dr. Lloyd stated:

“It is clear that many parts of Wales are not receiving the level of bus services that they need or deserve. The sector is too disjointed.

“Whilst private providers are able to provide a good level of service in some, usually more populated areas, there are other areas scattered throughout Wales where services are not up to standard, and not frequent enough.

“I firmly believe that we need to develop a model of bus service provision which puts passengers first. There is already a significant level of investment in bus services in Wales via the Welsh Government and Local Authorities.

“We should build on that investment by creating regional bus companies, whereby a number of local authorities would come together to develop regional transport solutions.

“The authorities in the Swansea Bay City Region for example should work together to deliver a South West Wales Metro, in a similar fashion to authorities in South East Wales. A similar model could also be delivered in Central and North Wales.”

Dr. Lloyd added:

“These regional companies, whilst initially delivering bus services through the public sector, could ultimately play a part in the delivery of rail services, with inter-changeable ticketing between bus and rail.

“This would require the UK Government to devolve powers over rail franchising, but this should certainly be the direction of travel which the Welsh Government should be following.

“The reality is that both rail and bus providers are currently returning profits, much of which are a result of direct Government subsidies. A wholly-owned public sector body would enable any surplus to be re-invested in services as opposed to leaking profits to company shareholders.”