UNCERTAIN ROAD AHEAD

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.

Moel Hebog looms in the background as a Gwynfor Coaches Optare Solo YJ61 JHV makes its way through Snowdonia national park on 21 June last year on an S97 service from Beddgelert to Porthmadog. Local authorities used existing legislation to create a quality partnership for Snowdon Sherpa services, enabling the surplus from the busiest route in summer to cross-subsidise other Sherpa services.
RHODRI CLARK

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.

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