A NEW long-distance coach service is set to launch, providing a direct link between North Wales and South Wales via Machynlleth and Aberystwyth.
The new north-south route will operate daily, connecting Bangor with Carmarthen and offering passengers a faster and more convenient journey.
Travellers are expected to save more than an hour compared with existing public transport options.
Transport for Wales is developing the service as part of its wider T Network, which aims to improve public transport connections across Wales.
The new coach service is due to begin operating in the autumn.
Deputy Transport Minister, Mark Hooper said: “We promised in our 100-day plan that we would prepare to launch a new coach service linking the north of Wales with the south of Wales and I’m delighted to confirm that plans are well underway to introduce this service in the autumn.
“For decades, many rural communities have been ill-served by public transport, but this new coach service is the first step in improving connectivity between the north and the south of Wales.
“The service will connect key regional centres, running alongside and enhancing existing services, including TrawsCymru, the rural bus network, and Fflecsi to deliver an integrated, multi-modal transport network across Wales.”
OTHER NEWS:
-
Train disruption in Powys after vehicle crashes into railway bridge
-
2 people rescued after plane crashes into sea off Pembrokeshire
-
Powys coach business is preparing to mark 35 years on the road
The service will stop at Bangor Rail Station, Caernarfon, Porthmadog Rail Station, Dolgellau (Eldon Square), Machynlleth, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Bus Station, Aberaeron and Carmarthen Rail Station.
The new service will be about 90 minutes quicker than the current six-hour rail journey.
Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport & Integration, said: "This new coach service is the result of a huge amount of work by teams across Transport for Wales, working closely with partners and drawing on insight from our Network North Wales programme to design a service that truly meets the needs of communities. By linking key towns and communities along the west coast, we're creating faster, more reliable connections for work, education and leisure.
"The new service is a key step in building the T Network, Welsh Government's vision for a fully integrated public transport system for Wales, strengthening the TrawsCymru network, helping to deliver a more joined-up, multi-modal offer and making it easier for people to travel sustainably with seamless connections to rail and local bus services."
Funding for the service was announced in the First Supplementary Budget last week, alongside £8 million to extend the £1 bus fare scheme for young people aged five to 21.
The additional funding will keep the scheme running for a further seven months, allowing more young people to benefit from cheaper bus travel until March 31, 2027.
Share