Enhancing Bus Services Legislation in Wales
Decline in passenger numbers and services prompts proposed legislation in Wales to improve public transport by establishing Welsh Partnership Schemes, franchising changes, and allowing local authority-run bus services. The focus is on meeting objectives for prosperity and well-being, while addressing challenges in bus service delivery and community needs.
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Bil Gwasanaethau Bysiau (Cymru) Bus Services (Wales) Bill
The key issues Decline in passenger numbers and number of services. Local bus services account for 3 out of 4 journeys made by public transport. Projected that without action passenger numbers and local bus services will continue to decline. Increase reliance on private car. Negative impacts on congestion and environment.
Timetable Dec 2018 - Published White Paper, called Improving Public Transport. March 2019 Consultation closed. Total of 564 responses were received. July 2019 Summary report published. April Dec 2019 Not pursuing taxis and private hire vehicles legislation. Remains a key priority and further work is being done. Local Government & Elections (Wales) Bill; collaborative working arrangements for local authorities (including CJCs). Proposal to realign the age of eligibility for the MCF scheme to state pension age removed. Bill to be introduced within this Assembly term. Scrutiny phase begins following introduction.
Key purpose of the legislation To meet the Prosperity for All objectives. To comply with the spirit of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 requirements. To ensure flexible provisions where it is not possible to have a one size fits all approach for bus service delivery. Includes: Welsh Partnership Schemes; Franchising; Local authority-run bus services; and Information about local bus services.
Welsh Partnership Schemes Bill will allow local authorities to establish Welsh Partnership Schemes. Provides a more comprehensive partnership scheme than the existing Quality Partnership Schemes and voluntary partnerships. Delivers shared objective to improve bus service provision. Intention to introduce a workable partnership scheme which is a genuine collaboration between local authorities and bus operators.
Franchising Changes to the procedure for developing and making a franchising scheme. Removal of the current limit on the duration for which a scheme can remain in place. Guidance to be provided. Provides a means of addressing challenges with bus service delivery in a local authority area and meeting the needs of the community.
Local authority-run bus services Allows local authorities to provide local bus services directly. Allows local authorities to establish own company if they so choose. Would be subject to the same competitive restraints as any other commercial operator. Same process licensing and registration regime.
Information about local bus services More consistent and reliable information data on bus services. To inform travelling public. Easily accessed by the public and developers. Information could include: Fares charged; Timetable information; Stopping places; Tickets; and Vehicle location.
Information about local bus services Bus companies provide information about service they intend to vary or cancel to include: journeys made; fares paid ; and Revenue. Allows local authorities to share prescribed information (in restricted circumstances). Informs decision making and provision of alternative services where necessary.
