Bus Services (Wales) Bill: overview

Our current bus system isn’t co-ordinated and is frustrating for passengers.

Change is needed. While many local bus services work well, and some areas will be well-served, it is not the case everywhere and for everyone

We want to see a coordinated local bus network which puts people and communities first, with reliable, affordable and easy-to-use services.

The Bus Services (Wales) Bill allows Welsh Government and Transport for Wales to work closely with Local Authorities and Corporate Joint Committees, using their local knowledge to design and plan services that meet the needs of their communities. Using this knowledge a network plan will be created setting out the routes that must be delivered in a certain area. Bus operators can then bid to run those routes. 

This new system will be rolled out regionally across Wales, leading to the creation of a national local bus network. More information on the roll-out can be seen in our roadmap to bus reform.

The Bill will give the public sector a bigger say in how local bus services operate in Wales. This will make sure that local bus services meet the needs of the rural and urban communities they serve.

The Bill will enable local bus services that are safe, integrated, sustainable and efficient.  

The Bill was laid in the Senedd on 31 March 2025 and is now going through the scrutiny process.