BUS services in rural Wales could face further cuts following claims that the Welsh Government is planning to axe a subsidy brought in to protect services during Covid.

Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor has this afternoon urged the Welsh Labour Government to commit to safeguarding the Bus Emergency Scheme which subsidises many bus routes in rural Dwyfor Meirionnydd, as well as others in Ceredigion and Powys.

The Plaid Cymru MS has been contacted by service operators who understand Welsh government plan to cease funding for the Bus Emergency Scheme which, if implemented, could leave thousands of people without a lifeline to essential services.

Mabon ap Gwynfor
Dwyfor Meirionnydd MS Mabon ap Gwynfor (-Plaid Cymru)

The BES (Bus Emergency Scheme) was introduced by the Welsh government when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. The public were advised not to travel and hence the bus operators’ income revenue ceased. Since its introduction, the BES initiative has evolved to BES 3 and ceases on 31st March 2023.

Fare paying patronage levels across Wales have only returned to 65% of pre-covid levels and concessionary travel returned to 55% of pre-covid levels. The BES funding has therefore been of crucial assistance to many local authorities and bus companies in sustaining key routes in rural communities.

Commenting, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: “In response to questioning from me today, the Deputy Minister said that providing public transport was a priority for this government.

“But I and my colleagues have been contacted by bus service providers who tell us that the government have dropped plans to continue with their Bus Emergency Scheme – which subsidises many of our most rural routes.

“This cut will result in thousands of people losing their lifeline to essential service.

“The paucity of buses in rural areas and the increasing pressure on operators are leaving more people than ever before isolated – with those who cannot independently get to work, the shops or to see the doctor turning to friends, taxis and community transport.

“If the government is serious about prioritising public transport, then they must ensure that the Bus Emergency Scheme continues next year or risk exacerbating the transport problems already endemic in our rural communities.”

Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, Cefin Campbell added: “The importance of bus services within our rural communities cannot be understated. For the elderly and vulnerable, they're vital lifelines for medical appointments and shopping - whilst many other residents are reliant on them for travelling to and from work.

“The current uncertainty surrounding funding is jeopardizing the future of many key bus routes - and is likely to have catastrophic impact on our rural communities, together with undermining wider public transport commitments.

“It's vital Welsh Government review the funding arrangement for our buses with urgency.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Actions taken by the UK Government have left us with a series of difficult decisions to make as we balance the budget for the next financial year.

“As a result, we have unfortunately not been in a position to confirm the bus industry funding package before the 56-day notice period began on Friday, February 3.

“This is a difficult time for all involved and we will continue to work closely with the industry and local authorities to reduce the impact on the public.

“We will provide further updates before the end of the week.”