There is no on-line link to today’s article in the Western Mail as to why catching the bus in Wales is more taxing in Wales than it is in England, however this article from last week gives a flavour of the piece.
The Welsh Assembly Government argue that the Bus Service Operators’ Grant is paid on the basis of miles travelled, and does not reward or penalise the performance of bus operators, nor does it encourage the use of greener fuels or technologies. Well why not?
WAG has a consultation paper out called ‘Putting Passengers First’ which sets out their intention to review the arrangements for both the grant and other bus subsidies in order to promote a more direct link between subsidy levels and their priorities for tackling congestion, poor performance and accessibility. That is all very well, but in the meantime it is passengers who are suffering as bus services are withdrawn or cut short due to increased costs. Why are there no transitional measures in place?
Two Pembrokeshire services have already been axed while fares in North-East Wales have twice increased by 8% in three months. This month Stagecoach will withdraw 11 routes in Gwent beginning yesterday with the Newport-Llanwern route. The rest, mostly in Torfaen will end on 23 February. Some are unsubsidised services, others are Council contracts which Stagecoach will surrender.
Torfaen Council will have to pay 70% more subsidy than now to continue existing service provision, an increase from £190,000 to £326,000 and is being forced to cut various services so as to target its spending on key routes.
Swansea-based First Cymru increased its fares last month, adding an extra 20p to the average single fare. Their Managing Director points out that fuel continues to be one of his company’s biggest expenses.
I accept that the Deputy First Minister has found £2 million to increase the fuel duty rebate to cover December’s 2p increase and has said he will also fund the 1.8p increase expected in April, but the 2p uplift from October 2007 remains unfunded.
There are two issues here: Firstly, it is not right that the Treasury pockets all of the fuel duty and expects Wales to fund the rebate from its own resources. If England increase the amount they spend on the rebate then Wales should get a Barnett consequential. Why doesn’t it?
Secondly, if the Assembly Government is commited to getting people out of cars and onto public transport then they need to put their money where their mouth is and ensure that Welsh bus companies are not in a worse position than their English counterparts. What subsidies they offer need to be geared towards improving our environment, providing services that enhance social inclusion and accessibility.
To that extent I support the WAG review but please do not let it take place in isolation. It is no good coming up with a perfect policy only to find that a huge proportion of our bus services have gone to the wall in the meantime.
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