Key players from Wales’ bus industry will come together for the first time today in a summit arranged by Welsh Government.
The summit formed part of Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates’ 5 point plan to support the bus industry , an intervention which has helped stabilise the industry after a difficult start to 2016.
The aim of this summit is to look at longer term solutions for an improved, more sustainable bus industry in Wales. It will look at how Welsh Government, local authorities, delivery partners, bus users and others can work better together to provide a robust, connected service over the coming years.
Mr Skates said before the meeting, “This bus summit is an opportunity for us to share ideas to solve the difficulties facing the industry, define what we want our bus services to deliver and understand how we can better work together in order to deliver the quality services communities across Wales expect and deserve.
“In my eyes, that means a top quality and sustainable service, one that can drive forward our economy and our communities to greater prosperity. It means a service which works for both rural and urban areas, young and old and promotes and enables independent living, all whilst ensuring value for money for the tax payer.
“It’s a tough task but I’m positive we have the expertise and the will in Wales to deliver it. In the meantime, of course, we will continue to support local authorities and communities wherever possible, whether it be through taking on new services like the T1C between Aberystwyth and Cardiff or providing further financial support to areas affected by loss of service providers.
“Longer term I want to ensure we establish a better informed, better designed, long term approach to the planning of our transport system. I’m keen, amongst other things, to explore with others whether new legislation can play a role in this.”