Bus deregulation in the Powys/Clwyd study area: An interim report

The effects of deregulation in a remote rural area, (the districts of Colwyn, Glyndwr and Rhuddlan in Clwyd, and Montgomery in Powys, Wales), have been described in this report. The area also included a coastal strip which contrasted strongly with the rural areas inland. The viewpoints of the three sectors involved in deregulation were canvassed: the county councils; the private operators and the local national bus company, Conville; and the users of the services provided. No details were provided about how the interviews were conducted. The results were as follows: a) on the whole, the bus network has been replaced almost completely and at the same cost; b) effects of deregulation on passengers has been limited, although some areas have benefited from lower fares; d) competition has been limited, as there have been few new operators; e) few operators have seen major commercial opportunities opening up as a result of deregulation; f) where commercial competition was feasible councils have been able to make small savings. However central and local subsidy will remain vital; g) there was a marked reluctance on the part of the operators to provide commercial information about their services.