RHODRI CLARK discovers that the proposed new legislation for the organisation of bus services in Wales — published in mid-March — leaves at least as many unanswered questions as answered ones
With unfortunate timing, the Bus Services (Wales) Bill was introduced to the National Assembly for Wales on 16 March, the day the UK imposed severe restrictions on normal life to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
Transport minister Ken Skates cancelled his oral statement on the Bill to the assembly and there is some doubt whether the legislation will be passed before the assembly ends, ahead of the May 2021 elections.
That outcome would prolong uncertainty for the Welsh bus industry. It is already three years since England’s Bus Services Act. One Welsh independent halted its annual investment in new vehicles four years ago because the future of the business became nebulous once the Welsh government began to talk about franchising and other powers for local authorities in 2016. Another operator tore up an order for six new buses immediately after attending a meeting where Welsh government officers outlined their thinking.
Each year, the Welsh government says that passengers and operators are fortunate that Bus Services…
