Unite the union has welcomed the announcement by Welsh Government that it is to provide £46m of funding to ensure vulnerable bus routes continue. Unite had previously warned that the withdrawal of BES (Bus Emergency Scheme) would result in the cancellation of between 35% - 45% of Welsh bus routes and hundreds of job losses across the sector.

Following Unites “Back Your Bus Route” campaign Welsh Government has replaced the BES scheme with the new Bus Transition Fund. This will provide funding to Welsh Bus Operators to ensure less profitable routes continue.

Peter Hughes, Unite Wales Regional Secretary said; “The introduction of the Bus Transition Fund is a tremendous victory in our campaign to save Welsh Bus routes. Unite welcomes this decision by Welsh Government to continue supporting bus services that communities across Wales rely upon. This decision will mean that workers, families, and vulnerable people can continue to access the public transport they rely upon, regardless of where they live”.