PRESS RELEASE

TAN Cymru has issued a call to action for the next Welsh Government. The message is clear: whilst the current strategies have set a solid basis for change, the “stark reality” of underinvestment is stalling progress. As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, the next administration must commit to a fundamental reallocation of costs—shifting the financial priority away from car-dependency and towards an affordable, people-first transport network which delivers for all.

TAN Cymru Spokesperson Rhian Nowell-Phillips said:

“While current strategies under LLwybr Newydd¹ have laid the foundations, progress on the ground remains too slow. Cycling, wheeling and walking opportunities are stagnating whilst bus services are in crisis. We need the new government to address these issues to tackle the cost of living crisis.”

TAN Cymru’s priorities for the next government are to:

• Secure Dedicated Funding for Bus Franchising
  Commit to ring-fenced revenue funding to implement the Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026². Without guaranteed financial backing, the “One Network, One Ticket” vision cannot deliver the reliable, affordable service Wales requires.
• Prioritise a “Maintenance First” Road Policy
  Redirect public funds from new road capacity toward fixing existing potholes, repairing pavements, and improving flood resilience. Adopting the Independent Roads Review recommendations is essential to curb long-term costs and stabilise current infrastructure.
• Uphold the 20mph Default Speed Limit
  Maintain the default 20mph limit, which is a proven public health success, directly reducing road casualties, lowering NHS burdens, and resulting in decreased insurance premiums for motorists.
• Ring-Fence Active Travel Budgets
  Protect dedicated funding for walking, wheeling, and cycling. This is critical to ensuring access to the most affordable modes of transport for all citizens.
• Commit to WHO-Aligned Air Quality Targets
  Adopt a formal target of 10µg/m³ for fine particulate matter by 2030. Achieving this requires a strategic reduction in total vehicle kilometres to safeguard public health and reduce respiratory-related pressure on the NHS.

“The Senedd election is a critical moment. We cannot afford to lose another five years,” said Rhian Nowell-Phillips. “This isn’t just about transport; it’s about building a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous Wales. We urge all political parties to make a serious commitment to these priorities in their manifestos. They are a roadmap for delivering a Wales that is fit for the future.”

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Notes to editors:

1. https://www.gov.wales/llwybr-newydd-wales-transport-strategy-2021
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2. The Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026 transforms Welsh bus travel through franchising, placing control under the Welsh Government and local authorities. Key changes include mandated integrated ticketing, capped fares, and the creation of local authority-owned bus companies https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asc/2026/2/contents ↩︎