Welsh Government plans for bus reform met with skepticism in Wrexham

There has been a skeptical response to Welsh Government plans for a bus shake up in Wales, with a senior councillor in Wrexham saying the ‘proof is in the detail and delivery’.

Welsh Government say their “Our Roadmap to Bus Reform” will ‘shake up’ how the public transport system works in Wales.

In the announcement they said the current system where bus operators decide where to run services based on where they can maximise profit will be replaced by a system of ‘franchised’ contracts.

Councils, Transport for Wales, and the Welsh Government “will work together to design bus networks that link key services and tie up with other buses and with train timetables all using one ticket” they added.

We asked Wrexham Council what this work will look like to the people of Wrexham, with ‘year by year targets’ being set.

Councillor David A Bithell Deupty Leader with responsibility for Strategic Transport said, “I welcome in principal the white paper and the aspirations of bus reform, but the proof is in the detail and delivery.

“Bus services over the last few years have declined following deregulation and lack of funding. I have recently Chaired a transport cabinet members meeting of all North Wales local authorities and the current situation appears to be withdrawal of Local bus services and lack of funding.

“The introduction of the 20MPH speed limits have not helped with many operators trying to amend timetables due to performance issues. ”

Cllr Bithell stated “lots more needs to be done with Tfw and Welsh Government in collaboration with local authorities and I am pleased we have further added a further £200k to public transport bus services in the recently approved budget”.