Transforming Cardiff’s Bus Services for the Next Generation

As we look toward the future of Cardiff’s public transport, the challenges and opportunities are becoming increasingly clear. The pandemic may be behind us, but its effects are still felt. It transformed the way people live and work, and these changes have had a lasting impact on public transport.  

For Cardiff Bus, this has been a period of adaptation and, ultimately, progress. 

We’ve now returned to a new commercial era, following the withdrawal of pandemic related support, which has required us to reassess and reshape our service provision. Working closely with Cardiff Council, we successfully retained and even expanded our services through a tendering process they undertook. Today, we carry 18 million passengers annually – a third of all bus journeys in Wales – a statistic that reflects the vital role Cardiff Bus plays in the city’s and broader region’s connectivity. 

Looking ahead, collaboration will be essential to creating a balanced transport system in Cardiff. Striking the right mix between public transport, active travel, and cars is crucial for the city’s future. Bus users alone contribute £700 million annually to the Welsh economy, and for every £1 invested in bus services, there’s a return of nearly £5. It’s clear that public transport is not just an environmental solution but also an economic driver. 

To maintain this momentum, we need to work closely with partners, including Cardiff Council, Cardiff Capital Region, and Welsh Government. Together, we can ensure the city’s transport infrastructure meets the needs of its residents, businesses, and visitors. 

Decarbonisation is at the forefront of our strategy. Cardiff Bus has already made significant strides, with 55 electric buses now representing 40% of our daily fleet on the city’s streets. Over the past three years, this transition has halved our energy consumption – a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when sustainability is prioritised. 

However, transforming the entire fleet is a complex and costly endeavour. Electric buses require significant investment not just in vehicles but also in the infrastructure to support them. This raises important questions about the availability of electricity and the long-term strategic plan for electrification. We must collaborate with stakeholders, including Cardiff Capital Region, to ensure these challenges are addressed collectively. 

Hydrogen technology also presents exciting possibilities. By 2030, small-scale hydrogen distribution could be available in Cardiff, offering a potential solution for longer-distance rural routes. However, hydrogen buses are not yet fully suited to city operations. We continue to monitor developments in this space while maintaining a flexible approach. 

Cardiff’s buses are more than just a means of transport; they’re an integral part of the city’s social and economic fabric. With around 400,000 passenger journeys per week, we’re not only connecting people to places but also contributing to the city’s sustainability goals and economic growth. 

The next few years will be about setting the conditions for long-term success. By fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and focusing on sustainability, we can ensure Cardiff’s public transport system evolves to meet the needs of the future. This isn’t just about buses; it’s about creating a city that works for everyone. Cardiff Bus has a strategy and a plan, but success will require the support and input of all our partners. Together, we can build a transport system that’s efficient, sustainable, and fit for the future.