Park and ride service is axed on Sundays

CHANGES to a busy Cardiff bus route could act as a “death knell” to the service, a councillor has warned.

Cardiff East Park and Ride is to be closed on Sundays, Cardiff Bus has announced.

The service runs every 15 minutes from the Pentwyn Interchange on the A48 to the city centre.

The decision, which was announced yesterday, attracted criticism from members of Cardiff Council.

Posting on Twitter, Cardiff Bus said: “We are sorry to advise that from today, Sunday 7 January, Cardiff East Park & Ride will not be open on Sundays.”

Councillor for Pontprennau and St Mellons Dianne Rees said: “The only way park and ride will work is by having it open longer every day.

“The fact it won’t be open on a Sunday is unbelievable. It’s a death knell.

“How many big matches and events do we have through the year on a Sunday and now there won’t be park and ride?”

Coun Rees, deputy leader of the council’s Conservative group, added: “The service is needed – we have people parking on the pavement in Pontprennau.”

Posting on Twitter, Liberal Democrat councillor for Pentwyn Joseph Carter said: “Shocked to hear that the Park and Ride will now be closed on Sundays. Such a backward step from @cardiffcouncil.

“Lots of confused people at Pentwyn Park and Ride who had no idea that the X59 has stopped on Sundays.

“Cardiff Council needs to properly fund these services so we can tempt people out of their cars and on to park and rides.”

Bus routes from the park and ride also run to Cardiff Gate and the University Hospital of Wales from Monday to Friday.

Cardiff Council was contacted for comment.