Changes to bus routes in south and west Wales

In response to reductions in Welsh government funding for buses, First Cymru has today had to announce changes to some of its services in south and west Wales from Sunday 29th October.

First Cymru has been tasked by south and west Wales’ local authorities to reduce its bus network in accordance with reduced public funding. Passenger numbers remain well below previous levels, particularly for concessionary card holders.

The majority of services will not be impacted, and where possible, frequencies and hours of operation will be reduced in order to avoid routes being withdrawn. However, some services will stop operating.

First Cymru’s Managing Director, Doug Claringbold, said some changes to the network in south and west Wales were inevitable after the Welsh government announced the lower levels of support, which is essential given the significant, ongoing drop in passenger numbers.

He said: “The majority of services are unaffected, but despite our efforts to protect our customers from the impact of this reduced funding, we have no option but to reduce or stop operating some services.

“We recognise the Welsh government has had some tough decisions to make as it changes the way it funds bus services. At the same time, we share the disappointment customers will feel from the knock-on impact that will have on some routes. We are committed to getting more people to use the bus, and adequate levels of funding are essential where passenger numbers are below the cost of operating services.”