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PUBLIC ownership campaigners have welcomed the announcement of a white paper in Wales today which aims to re-regulate the country’s bus networks.
The Welsh government is proposing a franchising model that aims to eventually deliver one network, one timetable and one ticket for passengers across the country.
It would also lift a ban on local authorities setting up new publicly owned bus companies.
We Own It better buses campaigner Matthew Topham said: “Wales is leading the way on buses, putting passengers first after 35 years of Thatcher’s failed policies.
“Now we’re calling on England and Scotland to follow their example.
“Wales is giving the green light to buses that work for passengers, while Scotland is still on amber and England is firmly stuck on red.
“This visionary legislation would set a precedent that will empower bus passengers, campaigners, councils and metro mayors to demand better services that focus on the needs of local communities, not a few profit-hungry companies.”
The group said that the “tide is turning” as mayors in Greater Manchester, Liverpool and West Yorkshire have also committed to public control of buses, and South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire are expected to follow.
