Janet Finch Saunders

 Will the Minister make a statement on Welsh Government support for local bus services in Wales? OAQ(4)0428(EST)

Edwina Hart

I recognise the importance of an effective and affordable bus service, which is why we provide significant funding to support the network throughout Wales. I have established a bus policy advisory group to advise me on maximising value for public money and securing the best possible provision of services.

Janet Finch-Saunders

I am being inundated at the moment by many concerns from constituents regarding bus No. 19 in the Conwy valley. This service has now seen a drastic reduction in this service. I wrote to Arriva Bus Wales, and it has written back to say that the local authority has withdrawn the funding. Could you perhaps look into this matter with me and work with me, with Conwy County Borough Council, in order that we can actually reinstate this much-needed bus service in this rural community?

Edwina Hart

I think that you are not the only Member in this Chamber who has had representations about buses all across Wales in terms of a reduction in services and problems with particular services. There is an issue here and we strongly encourage local authorities to develop quality partnership schemes with bus operators to improve services, and it is particularly important if they are withdrawing subsidies that they look at the implications for the socioeconomic groups that this affects as well. So, there is work going on, and I am hoping that the bus users’ group will come up with some suggestions about how we can improve the delivery of services in Wales.
rvice of the nation.