Nick Smith MP for Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney has joined Welsh Labour colleagues in calling on the Plaid Cymru Government to urgently implement a £2 bus fare cap in Wales, following Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement of a cap on bus tickets in England.
During the Senedd campaign, Welsh Labour pledged to introduce a £2 cap on bus fares and today, the UK Labour Government has announced a cap in England from January to help with the cost of living and give people the breathing space they need.
Welsh Labour is calling on Plaid Cymru to act with the same urgency as the UK Labour Government, to support people across Wales with the cost of living.
Nick Smith MP for Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney said: “Labour’s announcement is welcome news to those in England. Plaid Cymru must now follow suit and act as quickly as the new Prime Minister has to support with the cost of living, ensuring people across Wales aren’t paying more for bus travel and have access to the same opportunities.
“Thanks to the previous Welsh Labour Government, this is now possible because of our landmark legislation, the Bus Services Bill, bringing buses back into public ownership. Welsh Labour is continuing to call for fairer access to public transport across Wales, making buses both more affordable and more widely available.”
Ken Skates MS, Welsh Labour Leader, said: “It’s great to see the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, acting quickly to give families some breathing space with the cost of living. Introducing a £2 bus fare cap in Wales is of course a decision for the Welsh Government. That’s why Welsh Labour had a manifesto commitment to do just that.
“This Plaid Cymru Government should urgently look to introduce a cap in Wales. Otherwise, people in Wales will be left paying more for bus travel than our neighbours across the border.”