Written question WQ100700

The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that local bus services are accessible and inclusive for all passengers. The new model for delivering bus services will facilitate opportunities to support this and reflect the Welsh Government’s Travel for All principles.

I have instructed officials and Transport for Wales to ensure that accessibility provision is a top priority across the bus reform programme. We will seek to strengthen accessibility in relation to vehicle facilities, passenger information and other measures that support passengers to confidently and safely use services under the new franchised model.

Transport for Wales and officials continue to engage with bus users, operators and representative organisations, including through its Disabled People's Travel Forum, to inform delivery of accessible bus services under franchising. Collaboration with local authorities is also ongoing to ensure network planning and bus stop infrastructure supports this delivery.

The template for local bus service contracts under the Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 is still being finalised. It will include provision setting out requirements relating to driver training and statutory travel concessions and will remind operators they must comply with all relevant accessibility and duty of care legislation. Any detailed requirements specific to the local bus service packages will be determined through the development of individual local bus service contracts. This approach will provide flexibility to review and refine accessibility requirements over time, ensuring contracts reflect evolving passenger needs, technological developments and emerging best practice.

Compliance with accessibility requirements within local bus service contracts will be monitored and enforced through contractual mechanisms. Contracts will include appropriate performance management, reporting, record-keeping and inspection arrangements, enabling contracting authorities to monitor operators' compliance with contractual obligations and take appropriate action where standards are not met. This will help ensure accessibility commitments are delivered consistently and that passengers across Wales benefit from a safe, inclusive and accessible bus network.