Arriva’s new express coach service will run throughout the summer season along the North Wales coast
On Sunday 22 June, Arriva Cymru launched a new summer service in Rhyl. The company’s new Cymru Coastliner will operate hourly, seven days per week, using a fleet of route branded Mercedes-Benz Tourismo coaches previously in use on its Greenline-branded services, and offering a limited stop express service between Rhyl and Llandudno along the North Wales coast.
To support the service, the company has worked with campsites along the routes to produce a dedicated leaflet, and has put up timetables along the route. Arriva says it will have staff on the ground throughout summer helping customers and selling tickets on handheld devices to speed up boarding times.
The Cymru Coastliner will operate until 25 August with an end to end journey time of under one hour. Numbered CC12, the service will serve popular coastal hotspots including Kinmel Bay, Towyn, Abergele, Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea.
Head of Commercial for Arriva Cymru Adam Marshall said: “This is a fantastic addition to our network for the summer, connecting communities and attractions across the North Wales coast. We’re really proud of what we’ve created for our customers with the Cymru Coastliner and we’re looking forward to welcoming them on board.
“It’s just one example of how we’re looking to grow the network – offering people a genuine alternative to the car, which will help ease congestion and support sustainable travel choices in North Wales. We’ve done all we can to make it as easy as possible for our customers to choose public transport, whether they’re planning a beach day, organising a family trip or visiting some great seaside towns.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates added: “It’s great to see this new service running along this popular route during the summer months. It is sure to benefit both residents and visitors alike.” However, passengers should be aware that Arriva’s standard Wales area and 1Bws tickets will not be valid, though passengers with standard multi-journey tickets will be able to travel upon payment of an additional ‘top-up’ supplement when boarding the service. Coastliner multi-journey tickets can also be used on all Arriva buses throughout Wales and Chester, including parallel service 12 which also operates along the coastal corridor up to every 12 minutes between Rhyl and Llandudno. Welsh concessionary passes are valid on the route, and English and Scottish concessionary pass holders can purchase tickets at the child price.
Also on show at the launch was a previous generation of Coastliner bus in the form of a Leyland Olympian owned by transport consultant Andrew Hamer, bringing back memories from drivers and passengers of the former service and brand, which served a route from Chester along the North Wales coast.
