Loss of ‘lifeline’ bus service branded a nightmare for some
CONCERNS VOICED AFTER COMPANY AXES ROUTE BECAUSE OF ‘LOW’ USE
VULNERABLE people who rely on buses to get around say they face losing their independence when a key service is terminated next month.
Llew Jones Coaches has announced it is axing its T19 Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog service, which has sparked fears from those who rely on bus travel.
On January 18, the company announced it had been left with “no option” but to axe the service after a drop in passenger numbers made the service “financially unviable”.
The service has been described as a “lifeline” for those who live in rural communities, including pensioner Margaret Collins.
Ms Collins’ daughter Melanie said she feared the impact losing the service would have on her elderly mother who lives in Dolwyddelan in Conwy. She said her mum’s health conditions can make travel a “nightmare”, so having a reliable bus service is vital.
Melanie said the bus routes provide independence for her mum, which she now stands to lose with the termination of the service.
She said: “Mum is mid seventies and suffered a stroke a few years ago and so can get a bit muddled sometimes, which would be a problem as there is a train when it’s not cancelled for no drivers or whatever else, this then means a replacement bus which unless you know what you’re doing in trying to see if one is actually running, can be a nightmare.
“So mum will have no way from Dolwyddelan to either Blaenau Ffestiniog for her doctors or the other way Llanrwst or Llandudno for shopping.
“She’s quite well in herself but she’s used to the bus routes and it’s her independence.
“Also all the drivers are so helpful and know my mum and help with her shopping if ever needed.”
Another resident who spoke out was Glenda Tobin, who shared fears about the impact the change would have on vulnerable people. She said the announcement was “terrible news” for those who used the service.
“It’s very worrying for people who rely on these services as their lifeline,” she said. “The council have a duty to resolve this with Llew Jones.
“The Welsh Government should not encourage people out of their cars while failing to support local bus companies to maintain these essential services. Action needs to be taken now by the local authority and the Welsh Government to maintain this service.”
Responding to the announcement, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: “I am very
concerned to hear of plans to axe the T19 service from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno - a service that many of my constituents rely on. The impact of this on the elderly, young people, families and more will be very disruptive, and will also cost them much more - a single bus journey costs £5 while a single train journey costs £9.20.
“Furthermore, it will be compounded by a less-than-reliable alternative rail option which frequently suffers from flooding - rendering the line from Blaenau to Llandudno unusable for long periods at a time. It is disappointing that talks between the stakeholders have failed to bring about a solution.
“I would like to receive assurances that they have looked at all options before taking this decision, such as changing the timetable. I am particularly disappointed given the noise coming from the Welsh Government about investing in public transport.
“This service was introduced only a little over 18 months ago, and so it’s surprising that this decision has now been taken. I will be raising this as a matter of urgency with the Welsh Government Transport Minister and requesting talks with the bus company itself.”
Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, has launched a petition calling for the Welsh Government, Conwy
County Borough Council, and Gwynedd Council to cooperate so to offer a package of financial support to save the T19 service. If no solution is found, the service will stop on 11 February 2023.
Commenting after launching the petition, she said: “The Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru Co-operation agreement makes a clear promise that they would ask Transport for Wales to work with local authorities in North West Wales and the Welsh Government to develop plans for an integrated transport system.
“Rather than see progress, we are seeing Labour and Plaid cooperation at both the Welsh Government and Conwy County Cabinet levels lead to a deterioration of public transport.
“So to help ascertain the level of public support for the bus service, I have launched a petition on my website, which I encourage as many as possible to sign.
“Whilst I will be reaching out to Llew Jones, they have already made clear that the service is simply not commercially viable in its current form.
“If the Welsh Government, Conwy and Gwynedd cabinets are truly committed to supporting rural communities and improving our public transport system I expect them to cooperate so to be able to offer a package of financial support to help Llew Jones.
“No action will have a detrimental impact on the environment, community connectivity, the local economy, and the poorest and most vulnerable in society.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “”We are disappointed the operator has decided to withdraw from operating the T19 service.
“We have provided £48 million emergency bus funding to the industry this financial year to maintain bus services in Wales and approximately £150 million since the beginning of the pandemic.
“Transport for Wales is now working with Conwy CBC to ensure vital public transport links are maintained for rural communities along the route and this includes further improvements to the Conwy Valley fflecsi scheme, as an alternative to the withdrawn T19 service.
“We will continue to work with Transport for Wales, Bus Users Cymru and Conwy CBC to ensure passengers are fully notified of any changes.”
A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: “Whilst Cyngor Gwynedd does not subsidise this service, we are aware of the recent decision by the bus provider not to continue with the T19.
“Our officers will be discussing the matter with Welsh Government and Conwy Council in order to consider how to alleviate any inconvenience to users.”