Bus Users in Wales has published the results of three drop-in sessions held in areas it says were most hit by the withdrawal of Llew Jones Coaches’ T19 Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno service via the Conwy Valley. Rural deprivation and an ageing population has led to a heavy reliance on bus services, the charity says, with local communities now struggling to access essential services such as education, employment and leisure activities.
The main concern raised by local residents was over the frequency of bus services and the lack of evening and Sunday services, Bus Users said, and those looking to travel from rural areas to towns for work face limited and unreliable services with few, if any buses, operating outside of normal working hours. The resulting impact on shift work has been considerable, it reports. There was also said to be a need for better information generally and in a range of formats to prevent digital exclusion.
According to Barclay Davies, Bus Users Director for Wales, the effects of transport poverty can be far-reaching: “Buses ensure people can lead active and fulfilling lives so the loss of such vital services will have a huge impact on local communities. The costs of loneliness and social isolation are significant and very often outweigh the cost of providing the bus service.”
