Bus Users UK, alongside bus operator and Local Authority representatives are calling on the Welsh Government to increase funding to protect the country’s lifeline bus services.

In joint letters to the Welsh Labour Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford, and Cabinet Secretary for Transport Ken Skates, six leading transport and passenger groups have urged against making below-inflationary increases in bus funding.

In its recently published draft Budget for 2026/27, Welsh Government announced plans for a 1.9% rise in support for buses, below the current 3.8% rate of inflation and significantly below the 5.8% level of bus industry inflation reported for the last 12 months.

The letters, which highlight the huge economic, social and environmental value of bus services, warn that the levels of funding proposed in the draft Budget could lead to cuts to services.

Barclay Davies, Bus Users UK Director for Wales and a signatory to the letters said: “As we transition to a franchised network of bus services in Wales, it’s imperative that the existing core network of services are retained. Bus travel in Wales makes up 75% of the total number of public transport journeys, journeys to work, healthcare, shopping, training and education.

“Cuts to services have a damaging and lasting impact on communities, limiting opportunities for employment and increasing social isolation. Properly funded services, however, have the power to improve physical and mental health, boost local economies, reduce congestion and help meet the country’s decarbonisation targets.”

Aaron Hill, CPT Cymru Director, said: “We’re at a pivotal moment for buses in Wales, with new regulation expected to pass into law imminently.

“Operators need clarity over future funding for buses to be confident that they can provide the services passengers deserve and identify opportunities for growth and decarbonisation,” he added.