Bus operators across Wales will be rescued by a further funding package from Welsh Government.

The Bus Emergency Scheme (BES) will provide financial support for revenue lost during the coronavirus pandemic. The scheme comes as its previous short-term package – the Bus Hardship Fund – comes to an end.

In return, bus operators across Wales will come under greater public control, reversing the deregulation of the industry seen since the 1980s.

Announcing the new fund, the deputy transport minister, Lee Waters, said: “Passenger numbers have fallen by around 90 per cent during the pandemic, and they are unlikely to recover for the foreseeable future. It has therefore been necessary to take action and provide funding to rescue this vital industry.

“Buses account for three out of every four journeys made by public transport in Wales, and they are a crucial part of our ambition for a high quality, multi modal, integrated and low carbon public transport system.”

Alongside this funding injection, the agreement underpinning BES is intended to signal the beginning of a new partnership between operators and public bodies.

Mr Waters added: “In the short-term, BES will secure public value by requiring operators not to increase commercial fares, and to provide better information to passengers. In the long-term however, BES lays the foundations for amongst other things - smart ticketing, unified routeing and integrated timetabling across our network.”

Looking ahead, the deputy minister said: “I want the bus emergency scheme to be the start of a pathway to a greater say for public sector funders and users, reshaping our bus network in the interests of passengers across Wales.”