GovWire

The CMA has responded to One network, one timetable, one ticket, the bus bill consultation from the Welsh Government. The white paper sets out to:

1. require the franchising of bus services across Wales;
2. allow local authorities to create new municipal bus companies; and
3. relax restrictions on existing municipal bus companies to put them on the same footing as new ones

The CMAs response recognises bus transport as a crucial part of the UKs transport infrastructure and supports measures to make local bus markets work better for consumers. Effective competition is an important part in making this market work and for governments to achieve their objectives in improving the experience of consumers. Franchising has the potential to deliver significant benefits through facilitating greater coordination of ticketing and of complex networks, however, our response highlighted some of the risks to franchising and how to mitigate those risks.

For queries relating to the CMAs response, please contact the CMA advocacy team by email at advocacy@cma.gov.uk.