Islands Busse sind die schnellsten Busse auf der Welt 😂
#world #eu #europe #europeisbetter #europa #deutschland #bus #busse #busservices
999.691 Kilometer soll Busfahrer Hlynur Bragason im Januar zurückgelegt haben. Das wären 25 Mal um den Globus, nonstop mit Tempo 1343. Die Menschen in Island lachen jetzt über die neuartige Straßenmaut.
Wales’ bus overhaul becomes law as Swansea region first in line for 2027 shake‑up
Wales’ new Bus Services Act has now received Royal Assent, giving ministers sweeping powers to take back control of local bus networks after years of cuts, collapsing operators and shrinking timetables. The Welsh Government says the change marks the start of a complete rebuild of how buses operate across the country — and Southwest Wales will be the first to feel it.
The law was formally sealed in Cardiff by First Minister Eluned Morgan, who said the move sends a clear signal that the days of unreliable, patchwork bus services are numbered.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said:
“This is a historic day for public transport in Wales – it sends out a clear message that we are committed to improving the bus system and delivering better, more reliable services for the people of Wales.”
First Minister Eluned Morgan stands on the step of a Transport for Wales bus holding the Bus Services Act after it received Royal Assent.Swansea region becomes the testing ground
The first rollout in 2027 will cover Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire — an area that has seen repeated route cuts, operator collapses and emergency funding packages just to keep buses on the road.
Under the new system, the public sector will take charge of designing the entire network. Instead of operators deciding which routes they want to run, Transport for Wales will set the timetables, fares and connections, and companies will bid for contracts to operate them.
It’s a complete reversal of the deregulated model that has shaped Welsh buses since the 1980s — and one the Welsh Government argues is essential to stop communities being “cut off”.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said:
“Today marks a major milestone for bus services in Wales. It’s the beginning of a new era… These changes won’t be seen overnight, it’s going to take time, but we are working closely with the industry and local authorities to plan and deliver bus services to meet the needs of passengers today and for generations to come.”
Close‑up of the Bus Services Act document signed into law by the Welsh Government.What franchising actually means for passengers
For decades, bus companies have been free to pick and choose the routes they run. If a service wasn’t profitable, it disappeared — leaving councils scrambling to plug the gaps with dwindling budgets.
Franchising flips that on its head.
Instead of operators calling the shots, Transport for Wales will design a single, joined‑up network, deciding where buses go, how often they run and how they connect with trains. Operators will then compete for contracts to run those routes — similar to the system used in London.
The Welsh Government says this will mean clearer timetables, simpler routes and a network that actually works together, rather than a patchwork of competing companies.
For passengers, the promise is straightforward: more reliable buses, better connections and a system designed around public need, not commercial priorities.
Why the change was needed
The bus network in Wales has been in crisis for years. Operators have folded, routes have vanished and councils have repeatedly warned that entire communities risk losing their only public transport link.
Swansea Bay News has reported extensively on the turmoil — from emergency funding packages to operators collapsing and councils warning that cuts could leave people stranded.
The Welsh Government says the new law is the only way to rebuild a stable, reliable network that doesn’t fall apart every time a company pulls out or a subsidy ends.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said:
“We will use local knowledge to design and plan services that put the voice of the passenger at the heart of their local bus network.”
What happens next
Transport for Wales will now work with councils, unions, operators and the public to design the new franchised network for Southwest Wales ahead of the 2027 launch.
Early proposals published last year showed plans for simpler routes, better interchange points and more direct links between key towns, hospitals and employment sites.
The Welsh Government insists the direction of travel is now set — and that the Swansea region will lead the way in proving whether franchising can finally fix Wales’ broken bus system.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Major changes proposed to bus network ahead of 2027 reforms
Early plans revealed how franchising could reshape routes across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire.
Tower Transit acquires South Wales Transport ahead of Welsh bus franchising
A major operator shake‑up as the industry prepares for the new franchised model.
Swansea MS meets First Bus to discuss future of city’s transport network
Politicians and operators clash over reliability, funding and the future of local routes.
Council leader speaks out on bus funding changes as services cut and operators fold
Councils warn communities risk being left isolated without urgent reform.
Bus services in Wales get last‑minute reprieve as minister announces new £46m fund
Emergency cash injected to stop routes disappearing before franchising arrives.
Leaked letter shows council leader concerned Welsh Government bus funding cuts will cut off communities
Internal warnings reveal the scale of the crisis facing Wales’ bus network.
£48m gap funding support package for Welsh bus industry
Operators given temporary support as the sector struggles to stay afloat.
Councillors back bold plan to explore Swansea Valley tram‑train link
Ambitious transport ideas emerge as Wales looks to rebuild its public transport future.
Tower Transit acquires South Wales Transport ahead of Welsh bus franchising
A local name joins a global group
South Wales Transport, the Neath‑based family bus and coach operator founded in 2005 by David Fowles — not to be confused with the historic South Wales Transport Ltd that was absorbed into Badgerline and later First Bus — has announced it is now part of Tower Transit, a subsidiary of the Australian transport giant Kelsian Group.
In a statement shared on social media, the company told passengers:
“After many months of negotiations we are delighted to announce that South Wales Transport is now part of Tower Transit and the worldwide transportation group Kelsian, based in Australia. We would like to reassure all of our fabulous clients that it is very much business as usual with absolutely no change to any staff, brand, company name or entity. It’s business as usual!”
Managing Director David Fowles Jr will remain in post, continuing the family’s leadership of the business.
From Neath roots to franchising future
Since its establishment in 2005, South Wales Transport has carved out a role as a trusted local operator, running school contracts and community bus services across Neath Port Talbot and Swansea. Its green and white buses became a familiar sight in the valleys and towns, while its patriotic‑liveried coaches carried the company’s name further afield.
The sale transfers 47 vehicles and the existing management team to Tower Transit. For the Fowles family, the deal represents continuity and growth, but it also marks a turning point: the business is now aligned with a global operator that has its eyes firmly on the future of franchised bus services in Wales.
Tower Transit’s franchising pedigree
Tower Transit is no stranger to regulated transport systems. In Liverpool, its subsidiary Huyton Travel operates services under contract to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. In Jersey, its LibertyBus arm runs the island’s entire bus network, serving commuters and tourists alike.
The company also has a long history in London, where it operated franchised services for Transport for London between 2013 and 2023. In 2021, it formed a joint venture with RATP Dev London, managing one of the capital’s largest bus operations with more than 1,200 vehicles and 250 million passenger journeys annually.
This experience means Tower Transit is well‑placed to adapt to the franchising model now being introduced in Wales.
Franchising comes to South West Wales
The Welsh Government has confirmed that South West Wales will be the first region to move to franchised bus services in 2027, covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. Under the new system, Transport for Wales will plan routes centrally and tender them to operators, replacing the deregulated model where companies register services commercially.
Tower Transit’s arrival signals its intent to compete for those contracts, joining First Bus (operating locally as First Cymru) and ComfortDelGro of Singapore (operating as Adventure Travel) as the major players in the region.
Continuity now, change ahead
For passengers, the message is clear: there is no immediate change. South Wales Transport buses will continue to run as normal, with the same drivers, timetables and brand. But the acquisition positions the company for the future.
Managing Director David Fowles Jr said:
“It was important to us to find a partner that shares our values and our commitment to the people of Swansea. With Tower Transit, we know our workforce and customers are in safe hands, and the business has every opportunity to flourish in a changing market.”
Tower Transit Managing Director Samuel Ribeiro added:
“The team’s deep local knowledge, strong brand and decades of service in the area provide a strong foundation. When combined with our Kelsian‑backed expertise in large‑scale franchised and regulated bus operations around the world, we are confident that we will deliver enhanced services for passengers and a bright future for the business.”
What this means for South West Wales
The deal is more than a change of ownership. It is a sign that the bus market in South West Wales is entering a period of transition. For now, passengers will see no difference, but as franchising rolls out, the buses they rely on every day will become part of a new, planned network. Operators will compete for contracts, councils may seek a direct role, and the shape of local services could look very different by the end of the decade.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Major changes proposed to bus network ahead of 2027 reforms
Welsh Government sets out plans to overhaul bus services, with South West Wales first in line for franchising.
Welsh Government lays out plan for major changes to bus services in Wales
Ministers outline how franchising will replace deregulated routes, aiming for more reliable and affordable services.
Bus services in Wales get last‑minute reprieve as Minister announces new £46m fund
Emergency funding package agreed to keep routes running while long‑term reforms are developed.
Council leader speaks out on bus funding changes as services cut and operators fold
Swansea Council warns of community isolation as operators struggle with reduced subsidies.
£48m gap funding support package for Welsh bus industry
Stop‑gap support announced to stabilise services amid uncertainty over future funding and franchising.
#Bus #busFranchising #busServices #KelsianGroup #SouthWalesTransport #TowerTransit
Bus service to return through Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool
Hourly service planned
The new Service 63B, operated by First Cymru Buses Ltd, will run as part of the council’s supported bus routes contract. One journey per hour will be diverted through Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool between approximately 9.41am and 3.39pm, Monday to Saturday.
The route was last served by a public bus in August 2019. Funding for the reinstated service has been secured through the Welsh Government’s Bus Network Grant, meaning there will be no additional cost to the council.
Final arrangements underway
Work is now taking place to finalise arrangements with First Cymru, with a start date to be confirmed once the operator has completed the statutory registration process with the Traffic Commissioner.
Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said:
“I’d like to thank everyone who worked together to make this possible, including council staff, residents, ward members, First Cymru and Welsh Government.
Reliable and accessible public transport is vital for connecting local people with jobs, education, healthcare, local shops and other parts of everyday life. We look forward to providing further updates very soon in relation to the start date of this new service.”
What it means for residents
The reinstatement of the service will reconnect Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool with key destinations in Bridgend and Porthcawl, improving access to jobs, education, healthcare and shopping.
The council says the move reflects its commitment to supporting sustainable transport and tackling isolation in rural communities.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
First Cymru bus strikes postponed after new pay offer
Unite members suspend the first wave of strike action to ballot on a revised pay deal.
Anneka Rice teams up with bus company to re‑discover the joy of concessionary bus travel
TV presenter joins campaign encouraging older passengers to make the most of free bus passes.
£1.6m funding helps reinstate evening bus services for the Llynfi Valley
Welsh Government support restores late‑night connections for communities in the valley.
Major changes proposed to bus network ahead of 2027 reforms
Transport for Wales sets out plans for a new franchising model and simplified services.
#63B #Bridgend #BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #Bus #BusNetworkGrant #busServices #CllrNeeloFarr #FirstCymru #KenfigPool #Mawdlam #Porthcawl
The Collapse of Public Transport in Ludlow Due to Privatisation
Residents of Ludlow, a small town in Shropshire, are frustrated by the severe decline of public transport services in their area. For years, the town has struggled with a lack of bus routes to nearby Birmingham, once easily accessible by Midland Red buses before they were privatised in the 1980s. Fo... [More info]
बस सेवाएं: सराज में HRTC की मिनी बस सेवाएं हुई बहाल, जानें क्या बोले उपमुख्यमंत्री मुकेश अग्निहोत्री
Himachal News: मंडी जिले के सराज विधानसभा क्षेत्र में आपदा के बाद बंद पड़ी बस सेवाएं फिर से शुरू हो गईं। हिमाचल पथ परिवहन निगम ने शुक्रवार से टैंपो ट्रैवलर शुरू किए। उपमुख्यमंत्री मुकेश […]
https://rightnewsindia.com/bus-services-hrtc-mini-bus-services-restored-in-seraj/
Himachal News: मंडी जिले के सराज विधानसभा क्षेत्र में आपदा के बाद बंद पड़ी बस सेवाएं फिर से शुरू हो गईं। हिमाचल पथ परिवहन निगम ने शुक्रवार से टैंपो ट्रैवलर शुरू किए। उपमुख्यमंत्री मुकेश अग्निहोत्री…
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