**Concerns Raised Over Impact of Bus Franchising on Cardiff’s School Transport**
Cardiff Council has voiced apprehensions that the Welsh Government’s latest strategy to overhaul bus services across Wales could inadvertently place local school transportation at risk. The proposed Bus Service (Wales) Bill, unveiled in March 2025, aims to reshape the public transport landscape by introducing a franchising system. While the wide-ranging reforms are designed to bolster the reliability and accessibility of local bus services, council officials have identified possible pitfalls—particularly regarding the continued provision of crucial school bus routes in Cardiff.
Under the new framework laid out in the Bill, key decisions on bus routes, scheduling, and fares would fall under the joint oversight of the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales (TfW). Private bus operators would be invited to bid for contracts, fundamentally changing how bus services are managed and delivered. Advocates for the scheme hope it will revitalise the sector, as passenger numbers remain lower than pre-pandemic levels and many companies face ongoing financial strain. However, Cardiff’s local leaders argue that certain elements remain ambiguous and that the transition could pose challenges for smaller, locally-focused bus firms.
At a recent meeting of the Cardiff Council environmental scrutiny committee on 8 May, Councillor Dan De’Ath, cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning and transport, described the proposed changes as a “positive step”, but stressed that numerous questions remain unresolved. The council, which has been invited to respond formally to the ongoing consultation, is keen to ensure that school transportation needs do not get sidelined during the franchising process.
“We think it is really positive, but there are a few things in there we think are challenges and a few parts of it we are still not really clear about how they will work,” Councillor De’Ath remarked. Notably, he highlighted the need for “significant investment” to ensure a smooth and effective transition. “Costs might potentially be higher and the Welsh Government does not seem to be committing any more resources with revenue or capital to finance bus reform. We think there is a potential risk in that regard.”
A significant concern, according to council officials, is the potential disadvantage faced by municipal operators like Cardiff Bus. These locally-run companies, which are currently responsible for many of the city’s home-to-school services, may find it harder to successfully compete against larger, national operators when franchising contracts are up for grabs. Jason Dixon, Cardiff Council’s operational manager for transport development and network management, warned: “There is that risk of not just Cardiff Bus but small operators failing to win enough contracts to be a viable business. If that happens, then our home-to-school transport comes at risk because we are very reliant on the small operators to provide those services.”
The franchising scheme’s roll-out is set to be staggered across Wales. The current timeline suggests South West Wales will be the first to experience franchising in 2027, with North Wales following in 2028. South East Wales, which includes Cardiff, is not scheduled to join the scheme until as late as 2029, and Mid Wales would be the last region to transition in 2030. The phased approach aims to allow authorities to address region-specific issues, though Cardiff Council remains wary about the potential consequences during this interim period.
Moreover, councillors have called for greater clarity on the mechanisms by which the reforms will be funded, the tender process for franchises, and the fate of existing staff and assets tied to current operators. While the Welsh Government has promoted its ambitions to deliver greener, more efficient travel, Cardiff’s leadership stresses the importance of safeguarding services vital to children and families.
The deadline for submitting feedback on the Bus Service (Wales) Bill is set for Tuesday, 13 May. Cardiff Council’s cabinet will examine a comprehensive report outlining the impacts of the proposed bus franchising reforms for the city at a meeting on Thursday, 15 May.
The debate continues to highlight the delicate balance policymakers face in modernising public transport while protecting essential local services. With consultation and discussion ongoing, the hope is that any changes adopted will serve both the broader goals of improved mobility and the everyday needs of Cardiff’s schoolchildren and families.