Senedd Member concerned over possible cuts to Powys buses
From September, the T4 bus route between the Powys town and the Welsh capital city will reportedly undergo major changes, as Celtic Travel will be taking over part of the service.
But this has created concerns that the direct link service will be scrapped.
While currently, passengers can travel between Newtown and Cardiff on a single T4 bus with no changes, the new arrangement could see Celtic Travel operating the service from Newtown to Merthyr only, meaning passengers will need to transfer to the X4 service to travel to places south of Merthyr, such as Pontypridd and Cardiff.
James Evans, Member of the Senedd (MS) for Brecon and Radnorshire, has expressed concerns over this X4 route taking longer due to additional stops in Treforest.
He said: 'Transport for Wales' promises of an 'enhanced' service are a sham. Instead, we are seeing timetables reduced, direct buses withdrawn and significantly longer travel times to reach Cardiff. These contractual changes are not progress – this is a step backwards for the residents of Brecon & Radnorshire.
'We don't have a final timetable published as yet – but I fear what further changes they are planning next for the Brecon to Hereford route, and Brecon to Abergavenny route.
'Our bus services are a lifeline in this area, whether for travelling for work or social, and I cannot believe Transport for Wales think these changes are an 'enhancement' – it is the very opposite of that.'
Further cuts to the T4 service include the reduction in the timetable and removal of stops at Bronllys and Talgarth.
Mr Evans said he is due to meet with Transport for Wales officials later in August where he plans to discuss the concerns over cuts to these bus services.
A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: "The T14 service between Brecon and Hereford will no longer operate as part of the TrawsCymru network.
"The service will continue to run under the local bus network, ensuring continuity for passengers while allowing for greater alignment with regional transport needs."
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