Transport for Wales to launch franchised bus services in South West Wales

06 November 2025

Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced plans to introduce franchised bus services in South West Wales, marking a step towards the rollout of the Bus Services (Wales) Bill. The move aims to create a more integrated and reliable public transport network across the region.

The new services will be procured through a Dynamic Market system, allowing approved operators to bid for specific route packages as they become available. The first phase of the franchising programme will cover Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, and Neath Port Talbot, with some routes extending beyond the regional boundaries.

In the run up to the franchising, TfW is inviting bus operators to take part in a series of engagement events aimed at those interested in running franchised bus services across Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire.

The events, which will be held on 20 November in Swansea, 25 November in Narberth and 3 December in Carmarthen, are designed to give potential tenderers a comprehensive understanding of the upcoming franchising process. Sessions will cover:

• The bus franchising model being introduced in Wales
• TfW’s Dynamic Market approach and onboarding requirements
• Potential route packages expected to be available for tender at a later stage
• Timelines for the procurement and delivery process

TfW emphasises that early engagement with the market is a key part of its strategy to develop a franchised bus network that works effectively for operators, passengers, and communities across South West Wales. The sessions will also provide an opportunity for operators to share feedback on TfW’s proposed approach and help shape the delivery of a high-quality, integrated transport network. The engagement period will close on 3 December 2025.

Attendance at the events will be by invitation only, ensuring TfW can accommodate all interested bidders effectively. Operators wishing to participate are encouraged to contact supplychain@tfw.wales for further details and to register their interest.

If you are an affected operator, we urge you to contact TfW to have your say in the process. Involvement at the outset can:

1. Help shape a bus system that works for all parties and
2. Assists with any potential legal challenge in the event you strongly disagree with any final decision.

Contact our Regulatory or Dispute Resolution team to discuss further.

This article was written by Libby Pritchard.