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Plans to overhaul bus services in Wales, putting ministers in the driving seat to decide routes, timetables and fares, have become law in Wales.

In December, Senedd Members backed the bill to replace the current system in which private operators decide most routes on a commercial basis.

The Bus Services (Wales) Bill was officially sealed by First Minister Eluned Morgan at a ceremony in Cardiff Monday February 2.

A franchising model, similar to London’s, will be rolled out as Wales ditches deregulation introduced by the Thatcher government in the 1980s, with a 56% fall in journeys since.

Under the bus bill, which lifts limits on councils running services, the Welsh Government will take control of the network, with Transport for Wales (TfW) responsible for implementation.

In the coming weeks and months, the Welsh Government and TfW will work with local authorities, bus operators, unions, and the public, to design and plan services.

Baroness 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.

“Buses are lifelines for many communities across Wales connecting people to jobs, health services, education and friends, and I’m excited to see the improvements that are coming.”

Ken Skates, Wales’ transport secretary, hailed the “major milestone” and said: “It’s the beginning of a new era that will bring some new and exciting changes for people across Wales.

“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.”

The roll out is intended to begin in South-west Wales in 2027, before North Wales in 2028, Southeast Wales in 2029 and mid Wales in 2030.