Two local operators will take on and improve TrawsCymru services following the awarding of new operating contracts by Transport for Wales
Mid Wales-based operator Celtic Travel of Llanidloes, Powys, has been awarded a contract by Transport for Wales (TfW) to deliver the TrawsCymru T4 service between Merthyr and Newtown from September.
The T4 has been operating for 14 years and is currently operated by Stagecoach. Once Celtic Travel takes over in September, Stagecoach plans to launch a new X4 service between Merthyr and Cardiff, running up to every 60 minutes Monday to Saturday, whilst the improved X4 service operated by Celtic Travel will serve Treforest Industrial Estate, offering improved connections for workers. Meanwhile, Richards Bros has been awarded the contract to operate the TrawsCymru T5 service, connecting communities across West Wales.
Director of Celtic Travel Phyl Davies commented: “We’re excited to be taking on this new contract and will be working with our colleagues at Williams of Brecon to ensure we deliver an improved level of service and reliability for T4 customers using our many years of experience delivering coach and bus services to the people of Powys. It’s great to be part of the TrawsCymru network, and with our knowledge of the local road network and an appreciation of the geography of this area, we feel we can bring a great deal to this service.” Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at TfW Lee Robinson said: “We’re looking forward to working with Celtic Travel to provide this service. We will be developing the timetable and improving services where we can, including the introduction of new vehicles in March next year.
This is a fantastic example of how small and medium-sized operators can work in partnership to bid for tenders and take on new contracts.” Speaking about the T5 service, he added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Richards Bros to deliver these exciting improvements to the T5 TrawsCymru service. This partnership reflects our commitment to building a modern, reliable, and accessible public transport network that meets the needs of communities across West Wales. The enhancements being introduced will make it easier for people to travel for work, education, and leisure, while also supporting our sustainability goals.”
The new T5 contract will be introduced in two phases from Sunday 20 July, with the introduction of a year-round Sunday service on the T5. The second phase will start on Sunday 31 August and include an increased frequency on the Monday to Saturday service, which will see an hourly timetable throughout the day, later evening journeys, the introduction of new distance-based fares and the launch of a new Aberystwyth-Aberaeron day ticket, allowing unlimited travel on both the T1 and T5 services.
New vehicles are also expected for the T5 from March 2026. Director of operator Richards Bros Simon Richards commented: “We’re proud to have been awarded the contract to operate the T5 service and look forward to working with TfW to deliver a high-quality, dependable service for passengers across West Wales. These improvements, including more frequent journeys and new fare options, will make a real difference to the communities we serve. We’re especially excited about
the introduction of new vehicles in 2026, which will offer a more comfortable and environmentally friendly travel experience.”
