The next steps to a more connected public transport system for Wales have been published. 

This announcement is vital for communities across Flintshire, where there is a need for a regular and reliable bus service, both in our towns and across rural areas. 

A new “Roadmap to Bus Reform” from the Welsh Labour Government aims to radically improve the ease and accessibility of public transport, connecting bus, rail, walking and cycling routes to create seamless journeys for passengers. 

Local Member of the Senedd for Delyn, Hannah Blythyn MS: 

“Our Welsh Labour Government want to create one joined up network and one integrated timetable which can be accessed using one ticket. 

 

The deregulation of the bus industry in our community has led to bus companies focusing on their profit margins and their shareholders, rather than being fully committed to the passengers they should be serving. 

 

With only one train station in the constituency, integrating our tickets and timetables is vital for residents to get to work or travel in general.

When speaking to residents across the constituency, whether that is through the transport surveys I have carried out in the past or simply conversations out and about, I hear people of all ages talk about the dependency on buses for travel. 

There is also a feeling that following the failed de-regulation of the bus sector, services have been neglected for too long, with prices increasing and barriers being put up to prevent connectivity. 

It is not an easy or quick fix, but this ambitious plan will address the current flaws, creating a system that puts the needs of passengers in Wales first.” 

Throughout 2024 Transport for Wales will collaborate with the local authority to make some improvements to our bus services ahead of the new legislation and form a ‘Bridge to Franchising’ to contract routes which are deemed to be socially necessary and work with the industry during the transition. 

As well as connecting people, bus reform will be crucial in tackling transport poverty and making sustainable transport choices much easier. 

The new approach is proposed to be rolled out on a geographical basis over several years. 

You can read the Roadmap to Bus Reform here: www.gov.wales/bus-reform-wales-our-roadmap-franchising