Transport Minister Ken Skates today announced up to £1 million of funding for 4 pilot projects that will test innovative forms of demand responsive bus travel across Wales.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Two of the 4 trials will take place in North Wales, with the other 2 in West Wales and in the Valleys Taskforce area. These trials will test different models of demand bus services and where appropriate, build on existing delivery models.
Transport for Wales will assist with the pilots.
The results of the trials will be analysed and will help inform the development of demand responsive travel over the next few years. Depending on their success, a decision will be taken on initiating a permanent arrangement.
The funding is part of the £24 million of Local Transport Fund due to be announced shortly.
Transport Minister Ken Skates said:
“We’ve got exciting plans for transport over the next decade and beyond. The development of the new £5 billion rail franchise, a major overhaul of the bus network and significant new investment going into Active Travel.
“A major part of our plan is to encourage innovation on our transport network and to build it around the needs of the passengers and the communities that use it.
“This £1 million of funding will help us test four different models of demand responsive transport on the bus network with a view to taking what works into obtaining a much bigger prize – the development of a truly integrated public transport network that is there when people genuinely need it – for work, for play or to access important services.
“It’s an unacceptable fact that in places such as the Mersey Dee Region, 1 in 5 people cannot get to job interviews because of an absence of affordable public transport. 1 in 5 people locked out of work, because they don’t have the luxury of owning a car.
“Through the design and testing of the different models we can test key aspects of demand responsive bus travel services including integration of patient and education transport as well as the use of new mobile technology.”
Today’s announcement will see Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, local authorities and operators work together to do the initial design the pilot projects.
The schemes will provide important information and insight for rolling out integrated responsive services to the rest of Wales. Further information on the pilot projects will be made once arrangements have been finalised with local authorities and operators.
Valleys Taskforce Minister Lee Waters said:
“Bus services are a vital part of life for people in areas like the valleys, helping communities stay connected and providing essential access to jobs, education and services.
“Helping test new and innovative solutions to make bus transport more flexible and more responsive will help people in their daily lives and make it easier for them to leave their own vehicle at home.
“Through our engagement with people living and working in the Valleys we know that transport and particularly bus transport is the number one issue to be addressed in the Valleys and I will be looking to announce a further pilot in this area.
“I’m looking forward to working with local authorities and Transport for Wales to help shape the pilot project in the Valleys Taskforce region.