Welsh Labour’s lost bus routes could undermine discount bus travel scheme
Welsh Conservatives have called on Labour Ministers to reverse their “devastating” cuts to bus operator grants. The calls come on the same day as the Welsh Labour Government announced a £15m discounted bus travel scheme for young people in Wales.
Shadow Transport Minister, William Graham, said that for some young people – particularly in rural areas – Welsh Government cuts meant that there are no longer any buses to catch.
He said:
“The principles behind this scheme are welcome and I urge young people to make the most of what’s on offer – particularly in assisting with travel to work or training.
“However, whilst this scheme will be a welcome boost to young people who use public transport, for some rural communities there simply aren’t any buses left to catch.
“Welsh Labour’s changes to the way bus operators are funded have led to the loss of a huge number of routes all over Wales.
“It is somewhat ironic, and no less counter-intuitive, to see the Welsh Government making eye catching announcements like this when their cuts have devastated transport links in rural and isolated areas – driving residents back into their cars.
