Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says he remains worried that changes to bus services in his region could seriously affect the future of small local operators.
Mr Rowlands, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Transport and Infrastructure, was speaking in the Senedd during a discussion on Stage 3 of the Bus Services (Wales) Bill.
He claimed Labour’s proposals risked driving small, family-run bus operators out of business, failed rural communities, and did little to tackle congestion or improve passenger services.
He said: “As drafted it risks centralising control of our bus network in the hands of the Welsh Government without the safeguards needed to ensure real delivery. We've seen before what happens when centralisation isn't matched by competence. I'm concerned that this could become yet another costly exercise for the Welsh taxpayer, without bringing meaningful improvements on the ground.
“A significant concern is the lack of clarity for small and medium-sized operators. I've spoken to many across Wales, and they are worried. They feel shut out of the process and unsure of how they will fit into the new system as is proposed. These independent businesses have kept our communities connected for years, and their future should not be jeopardised by vague or rushed legislation.
“The Bill also appears heavily focused on urban areas, with little recognition of the challenges faced in rural Wales. These are the communities already struggling with infrequent or unreliable services, yet the legislation offers them very little reassurance.”
On behalf of the Welsh Conservatives, Mr Rowlands submitted several amendments to ensure the Bill works for small bus operators, addresses congestion and puts passenger voices at the heart of the legislation. However, they were not supported by fellow members.
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales said he was pleased with and extremely grateful for the level of interest and support in relation to the intention behind the Bill, which is to improve the way that bus services are delivered across Wales.
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