Latest news with #StagecoachSouthWales
South Wales Argus
26-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport Council to bring more adults in care back to city
The local authority currently offers residential care to 208 adults who have learning disabilities – of whom 90 live outside Newport. Out-of-county placements can prove to be significantly more expensive than local care because it offers more specialist or complex support. A new report on independent living said the council is 'working proactively to ensure people are able to live in Newport'. The council acknowledged that some people in out-of-county residential care 'live far from their family and friends', and plans to offer 'better local options for living arrangements'. Meet the owners of Newport city centre's newest Italian restaurant Stagecoach South Wales to offer free bus travel for military At a scrutiny committee meeting, on Tuesday, Cllr Debbie Jenkins asked whether there was a timeline to bring people back home. 'What we need to do first is enhance our provision in Newport,' replied Myfanwy Moran, the council's head of adult services. 'It's really key to design the right provision.' The council previously bought some properties across the city, intending to convert them for various care services, and Ms Moran said another two purchases are also on the cards. However, the complexities of some care arrangements mean out-of-county placements may still prove to be the most suitable environment, the committee heard. Care watchdog praises staff at Newport Council Cllr Stephen Marshall noted how some residents require residential care that is only provided in England. He said the council was 'never going to eliminate' all out-of-county placements. Ms Moran also said 'there will be some people who are in long stay provision who are very settled there and it may be their choice to stay'. As a result, the new report describes the council policy as helping out-of-county residents 'return home where appropriate'.
South Wales Argus
26-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Free Stagecoach South Wales bus travel for Armed Forces
This includes all local bus services from Friday, June 27, to Sunday, June 29. The initiative allows members of the Armed Forces community to travel at no cost to parades, ceremonies, and community events in Wales. To access the free travel, serving military personnel simply need to wear their uniform or show a valid military ID. Veterans can present either a veterans' badge or a military medal. This gesture is part of Stagecoach's ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting the Armed Forces. Stagecoach South Wales's managing director Martin Gibbon said: "We're incredibly proud to support Armed Forces Day and recognise the important contributions of those who serve and have served. "Providing free travel across South Wales is a small gesture to show our appreciation and help people attend local events to honour the Armed Forces community. "We're also committed to being a supportive and inclusive employer for veterans and service families." The company also provides free travel on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday each year, in honour of those who have served. Stagecoach is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and continues to expand its internal Veterans Network. This colleague-led group provides support for service leavers, veterans, reservists, and military families within the business. Stagecoach's initiative is part of a broader nationwide commitment to the Armed Forces community. For information on local services and timetables, visit the Stagecoach website.
South Wales Argus
23-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Stagecoach South Wales MD on potential bus reforms
Franchising, enhanced partnerships, and hybrid models in between should all be fully explored by policy-makers and operators alike, with the focus not on favouring one structure over another, but on what delivers the best outcomes for passengers. Buses are the most used and most accessible form of public transport in Wales, supporting more than 200,000 journeys each day. They connect people to jobs, education, healthcare, and each other — and for the one in five people in Wales without access to a car, they are a vital link to daily life. In the face of post-pandemic travel patterns, inflationary pressures, and ongoing shifts in how and where people live and work, the case for renewed collaboration to secure and strengthen local bus networks has never been more urgent. At Stagecoach South Wales, we are fully behind the ambition to improve bus services. We share the Welsh Government's goals: to encourage modal shift, support communities, tackle climate change, and create a more seamless public transport system. But to achieve those goals, reform must build on what already works — not risk undermining it. Under the current Bus Services Bill, the Welsh Government proposes a wholesale shift to franchising. While the intent behind this approach is understandable, franchising is not a silver bullet — and could introduce new complexities and costs at a time when urgent, joined-up solutions are needed. Critically, the proposal would see commercial operators become contracted providers. That risks sidelining the innovation, investment, and customer focus that operators have delivered. Real-time information, digital ticketing, zero-emission buses, and enhanced driver training have all come from operator-led investment and close local partnerships. While franchising is one route to delivering improvements such as integrated ticketing, simpler fares, and joined-up timetables, it's not the only option. Enhanced partnerships can also offer a practical and cost-effective path to these outcomes — providing a framework for clearer coordination, consistent local delivery, and smarter regulation. Importantly, many of the biggest issues facing bus services — traffic congestion, journey times, and declining ridership — aren't governance problems. They are operational challenges that require bold, local decision-making. Moreover, the costs associated with franchising are significant. The Welsh Government has estimated that around £300 million would be needed to fund the transition. In Greater Manchester — which introduced a franchised model in 2023 — recent figures show a £226 million subsidy gap between farebox revenue and operating costs. These are important considerations for Wales, where funding pressures are already acute. To put it into perspective, £300 million spent on franchising transition could instead train approximately 6,000 nurses in Wales — a sobering thought given the immense demand for healthcare staff and the pressures on public finances. And yet, all that cost would deliver the same challenging quandary: under a fully franchised model, when costs rise or revenues fall, the Welsh Government would be faced with the same dilemma as operators do now — increase fares, cut services, or request further subsidy. Meanwhile, passengers are telling us the current system isn't broken. The latest Your Bus Journey survey by Transport Focus, commissioned by Transport for Wales, shows that 84 per cent of passengers in Wales are satisfied with their bus service — slightly higher than the UK average (83 per cent) and significantly above Greater Manchester (79 per cent). There is growing recognition of the potential benefits of the net cost model — an approach gaining attention across the UK. As seen in Jersey, this model has delivered high levels of passenger satisfaction, cost efficiency, and operational stability without the complexity and financial risks of full franchising. The Department for Transport (DfT) recently reported that Jersey's network achieved significant modal shift, with a 47 per cent increase in bus patronage by the end of 2024. This model allows the public sector to retain control over outcomes while drawing on private sector expertise and investment. With a strong track record and lower financial risk, the net cost model offers a quicker, more affordable route to real improvement — delivering better outcomes for passengers, communities, and taxpayers. Wales has a chance to lead with a balanced, pragmatic approach: combining enhanced partnerships, targeted franchising where it makes sense, and greater local decision-making to reflect local needs. Stagecoach South Wales is ready to be part of the solution. We're committed to working with the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, and local authorities to build a better, greener, more connected bus network. Because in the end, this isn't about structures or contracts — it's about people. It's about creating a public transport system that strengthens communities, supports the economy, and works for the Wales of tomorrow.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Free bus travel for military personnel on VE Day
Stagecoach South Wales is offering free travel for military personnel, veterans, and cadets on VE 80 Day. This initiative is part of Stagecoach's commitment to recognising the 'heroic work and sacrifice' of the Armed Forces. The free travel offer is available on Thursday, May 8, across all Stagecoach South Wales services. This allows eligible individuals to attend VE Day events and commemorations. VE Day marks the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945, and this year is the 80th anniversary. Martin Gibbon from Stagecoach South Wales said: "We're incredibly proud to employ many veterans, and it's a privilege to recognise the bravery and dedication of our Armed Forces, cadets, and veterans. "Offering free travel on VE 80 Day is a small gesture of appreciation for the enormous contribution made by our service men and women, past and present." Eligible individuals include those in uniform or carrying a military ID, veterans with a veteran's badge or medal, and cadets in uniform. The offer excludes services operated by Megabus, TfL, and the Bee Network. Stagecoach South Wales operates a fleet of 293 buses, serving communities across Wales.
