Welsh bus cuts ‘inconsistent’

The Welsh Government’s plans to reduce the payment to bus operators when they accept a concessionary pass by 23% are ‘inconsistent with the Welsh Government’s priorities of economic development and tackling poverty’, claims Bevan Foundation Director, Victoria Winckler.  Speaking to Western Mail reporter Rhodri Clarke, Victoria said :

“No bus equals no go. It just seems so short-sighted, words fail me.  When people can’t get to the shops or see their friends, they lose independence and become isolated. Before you know it, they’re needing much more expensive social care services.”

The Bevan Foundation has recently completed studies of the importance of bus transport for older people and of long-distance bus services in Wales.