Council looks to preserve bus services
The Vale of Glamorgan Council hopes to preserve all existing bus routes and offer improved services in certain areas.
A total of £470,000 will be allocated from next year’s budget for this purpose and Welsh Government funding has also been secured.
Adventure Travel will be responsible for the 88, 100 and B3 services, which run between Penarth and Barry, Barry and Colcot, and within Barry, respectively.
Service 93, travelling from Cardiff to Barry; 305, connecting Cardiff to Dinas Powys; and the B1 and B2, operating around Barry and Barry Island, will be operated by Cardiff Bus.
First Cymru will run the 303 service from Llantwit Major to Bridgend, the 304 service between Llantwit Major and Cardiff; and the 320, which travels through Hensol, Pendoylan and Peterson-Super- Ely on its route between Talbot Green and Cardiff.
It will also operate the 321 between Llantwit Major and Talbot Green, and the X2, which stops at various points along the A48 on its route from Porthcawl to Cardiff.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “As has been well publicised, the Council is facing an extremely challenging financial situation in the face of rising costs and decreasing funds.
“The bus industry has also seen costs increase significantly post-pandemic alongside a marked fall in passenger numbers.
“Despite those difficulties, protecting bus provision remains an absolute priority for this administration. We appreciate that certain residents rely on these services and the important role they play in connecting our communities, particularly those in the rural Vale.
“The Council has been working closely with operators, other Local Authorities and Welsh Government to continue provision beyond the end of this financial year.
“These plans involve preserving existing bus routes and improving the service on offer in some cases.
“As well as underlining our commitment to look after the Vale’s most vulnerable residents, this move also aligns with the Council’s Project Zero initiative to make the organisation carbon neutral by 2030.”
Services will mostly operate in line with current schedules, though there may be some minor changes to journeys after March 31.
Saturday timetables will mirror weekday schedules for services 93, B1 and B2, boosting the service offered on this day.
A local bus service will be restored for the Bendricks and the number of services that use the Barry Docks Interchange will be increased.
The 94 and 96 evening services remain unchanged, while Service 7 is being tendered by Cardiff Council and its future will be determined by Cardiff Council in due course.