Powys Public Transport Network to get an upgrade

19 June 2025

Powys County Council is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its full public engagement and consultation on local bus services and will soon be awarding new seven-year contracts for public transport across the county.

Engagement with the public was undertaken during 2024 to prepare for the consultation. The six-week consultation, which ran during January and February 2025, invited residents, stakeholders, and transport providers to share their views on proposed changes to the local bus network. Throughout the consultation period and the numerous drop-in events, the level of feedback from stakeholders has been good, reflecting strong community engagement and a shared commitment to improving public transport in Powys.

Key feedback from the consultation highlighted the need for:

• More reliable and frequent services in rural areas
• Better connections between towns and key services
• Improved accessibility for older residents and those with mobility challenges
• Affordable and simplified fare structures

In response, Powys County Council has revised its local bus timetables and service routes, incorporating public feedback to ensure a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable transport network. These draft proposals will be discussed by the council's scrutiny committee on Friday 20 June before being taken to cabinet for approval.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said:

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in the public engagement and consultation. Your feedback has directly helped shaped the future of public transport in Powys. The proposed new services will help us build a more connected county.

"With the council's commitment for a Sustainable Powys, this improved public transport network is aimed at supporting public transport services from our communities and localities into the county's core towns within an hour's journey time.

"We look forward to working with our new transport partners to deliver on this vision for Powys."

Following approval from cabinet, contracts will be awarded to a range of local and regional operators, who will begin delivering enhanced services with greater connectivity from September 2025.