What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the UK Government regarding support for bus operators in the training of bus drivers?
Over the last 12 months we have been in regular discussions with the Department for Transport and Department for Work and Pensions, as well as agencies such as the DVLA and DVSA, regarding the issues around driver shortages and driver training. Discussions have included potential changes to the training which would allow new and returning drivers to enter the industry quicker and developing pilot initiatives in Wales that will look at driver recruitment and existing barriers to entry, attracting the right skills and overall long term staff retention. Our understanding from discussions with the DVLA and DVSA is that measures have also been put in place to deal with the backlog caused by pandemic restrictions. We continue to work closely with the UK Government, other government bodies, local authorities and the wider bus industry around the issues of driver shortages.