Will the Minister explain what costings have been done to factor in the franchising plans outlined in the One Network, One Timetable, One Ticket white paper?
We published a draft Regulatory Impact Assessment alongside the White Paper comparing the costs and benefits of different models for delivering bus services. This uses a high estimate of the cost of franchising, assuming functions were replicated at a local authority level, to best compare to partnership models on a level playing field. Subject to the outcome of our consultation, we will be working to update that model to take account of the efficiency savings available from pooling skills and resources at a national level to make them available across Wales. We will publish an updated Regulatory Impact Assessment to accompany the final Bill.