BUS workers gave a cautious welcome today to a Senedd election pledge to lower bus fares and expand the route network in Wales.

Unite Wales said the Welsh Labour commitment to a £2 bus fare cap and the expansion of bus routes across Wales was cautiously welcomed.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The announcement by Welsh Labour is a step in the right direction.”

Welsh Labour set out its first manifesto commitment for the 2026 Senedd election, promising a £2 cap on all single bus fares across Wales.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said the fare cap would be introduced across Wales in April 2027 and cover everyone aged 22 to 59.

Under-21s already enjoy a £1 cap on single fares, and over-60s get free bus travel.

“Through our landmark Bus Services Bill, we are ending the era of fragmented services forced on Wales by the Tories deregulating the bus network,” Mr Skates said.

“From now on in Wales, buses will be run for people, not just for profit.”

Unite Wales said the pledge recognised that affordable, reliable public transport is essential for workers, communities and the Welsh economy.

The union also said a fare cap, if properly funded, could help tackle transport poverty, support access to work and education, and reduce car dependency.

Unite Wales has also welcomed the Senedd voting for the Bus Services (Wales) Bill last December, which will see bus services come back under public control.

Unite’s officer for public transport in Wales, Alan McCarthy, said: “The next step is to ensure that workers’ pay and conditions are not just preserved but enhanced as a result of this.

“Unite has long campaigned for bus services to return to public control, and the Bill is a significant step forward in ensuring that services work in favour of passengers and communities rather than shareholders and profiteers.”

But Plaid Cymru transport lead Peredur Owen Griffiths said: “Labour has had over 26 years to improve connectivity between our communities and to create an affordable and accessible transport system for everyone, but they’ve failed.

“Between this and the fact they’re expected to perform poorly in the next election, this announcement is too little too late.”