Creating a regulated, franchised bus network for Wales 

The Welsh Government is committed to introducing a franchised bus network across the country, enabling public transport to be developed and operated sustainably for the benefit of the people of Wales. Delivering these reforms is the responsibility of Transport for Wales (TfW), a wholly owned, not-for-profit company supporting the Welsh Government’s transport projects.  

A regulated, franchised bus network for Wales will provide core direct services across the country, complemented by secondary and feeder routes, including demand-responsive minibus services. The aim is for all buses used on franchised services to be owned by TfW.

A key element in the success of this revitalised bus network will be choosing the optimum fares and ticketing systems. This is vital to ensure sufficient revenue is generated to fund the network while also providing great value for the travelling public – so that buses become an affordable and attractive alternative to the car.  

The public transport specialists at SYSTRA were appointed by Transport for Wales to provide ongoing support and advice on all aspects of bus fares and ticketing, including revenue strategies and ticketing technologies. 

Wide-ranging advice on bus fares and ticketing innovations 

SYSTRA is supporting TfW along its journey towards a fully franchised model for bus services in Wales. The support we provide is ad-hoc in response to specific needs and issues as they arise. Our specialists are called in to analyse and forecast revenues, to advise on developing fares and ticketing strategies, and to apply new ticketing and payment technologies.  

Since being appointed in 2018, SYSTRA has helped Transport for Wales on a broad range of projects. We implemented new systems and process to support the re-issuing of 750,000 concessionary travel cards, including developing and implementing an online portal to simplify smart pass issuing and renewal, which we continue to support . 

Our fares specialists have carried out revenue forecasting for new bus services and franchise network proposals. We have developed new approaches to the pricing of bus fares, such as distance based fares, which are being applied to long distance Traws Cymru services including supporting operators with the technical delivery of fare tables and ticket machine configuration..  

Our ticketing expertise has supported the delivery of ambitious multi-operator and multi-modal contactless payment systems, including the largest Tap on Tap Off (TOTO) cEMV scheme in the UK, with over 25 operators, offering daily and weekly fare caps. We continue to innovate, working with TfW’s suppliers to develop and implement return TOTO fares, ensuring that all customers really do get the best possible fare for their journey We have also helped to create a fully integrated bus and rail ticketing retail scheme for the TrawsCymru network of regional bus services, with rail retailed QR tickets being validated on bus ticket machines. 

Trusted expertise along the journey to better bus services 

SYSTRA is valued for our range of expertise and many years of experience in this field. We have a track record of helping governments, local authorities and transport operators to design and implement fares, ticketing strategies and payment systems that address local needs and attract more passengers onto sustainable public transport.  

The success of the Welsh bus franchising programme requires collaboration with many specialist providers of technology and services. SYSTRA is working with a range of suppliers to help them develop and enhance their products so they can be implemented successfully on Welsh bus services. 

Expert support for the transition to a fully franchised network 

SYSTRA has established an excellent working relationship with Transport for Wales and the broader Welsh public transport community, based on our flexibility and ability to deliver when needed.

Our ability to bring expertise and experience from across the UK and more widely has allowed new thinking and new approaches to fares and ticketing to be developed and implemented in Wales.  

As the transition to franchising approaches, we will continue to develop strategies that will help deliver the government’s vision. We will focus in particular on how to improve the integration of bus and rail fares, in ways that improve the cost and efficiency of the overall network for the travelling public and for franchisees.