TrawsCymru routes re-tendered

Transport for Wales has announced a number of TrawsCymru long-distance bus routes have now been re-tendered.

The contracts awarded are as follows:

• T1C Cardiff > Aberystwyth – contract awarded to Mid Wales Travel with no immediate changes but from November there will be a new fare structure.
• T2 Bangor > Aberystwyth – contract awarded to Lloyds Coaches with no immediate changes but adjustments to fares and timetable in November. This service will be integrated with the X28 Aberystwyth > Machynlleth to provide an hourly service throughout the day and connecting into the T1& T1C service in both northerly and southerly directions.
• T3 Wrexham > Barmouth – contract also awarded to Lloyds Coaches. The main change on this route will involve the introduction of a T3C service connecting villages including Llanuwchllyn near Bala to Corwen where they can connect with the T3. This will make the T3 service more efficient and sustainable, improving journey times along the route. There will be adjustments to fares and timetables in November.
• T6 Brecon > Swansea – contract awarded to Adventure Travel. This service has recently been deregistered and whilst the new registration process continues, we will be running this service free of charge during the initial weeks of the new contract in early September.
• T10 Bangor > Corwen – contract awarded to K&P Coaches as mentioned above there are no immediate changes, but fares and timetables will be adjusted in November. In March 2024 the frequency of the service will be increased on Saturdays, Sundays and in School Holidays between Betws y Coed and Bangor, providing an hourly service linking into services in Bangor and Eryri/Snowdonia including Sherpa’r Wyddfa.

“New EV buses are being procured for the whole TrawsCymru network” – James Price, Chief Executive Officer at Transport for Wales

James Price, Chief Executive Officer at Transport for Wales, said: “We are pleased to see progress with awarding these contracts and are looking forward to upgrading the service standards in line with our T1 route.

“New EV buses are being procured for the whole TrawsCymru network, however there is a long lead time to delivery and we will therefore be replacing some of the older fleet with new Euro VI diesel buses for the short term as we look to decarbonise the network and confirm charging depot locations.

“The TrawsCymru network is an exceptional bus service linking up communities in Wales and providing access to public transport for thousands of people. The recently reported increased patronage on the T1 service demonstrates how providing affordable fares, quality fleet and timetables that connect can have a huge impact on passengers.”