First Cymru has released a preview on its social media channels of one of its new open-top double-deckers in a beach-themed ‘Cymru Coaster’ network branding. Starting on Saturday 29 May, open-top vehicles will operate two brand new hop-on, hop-off services, between Swansea bus station and Mumbles, and along the Porthcawl sea front in Bridgend between Trecco Bay and Rest Bay.
Jane Reakes-Davies, Managing Director at First Cymru said: “It is an exciting time for everyone at First as we launch these new leisure services. The pandemic has been a huge challenge for everyone, but preparing these exciting Cymru Coaster leisure services has given us something extra positive to look forward to. Now that restrictions are being eased and many people are opting to holiday in the UK this summer, these open-top routes will give many people a new opportunity to venture out and experience the Swansea Bay and Porthcawl coastline from a different perspective, and with beautiful views and plenty of ventilation on the top deck. The services will also attract day visitors to the area and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“Building our leisure portfolio is something we see as part of a larger plan moving forward for the business. We hope our customers like using these two services so we can introduce more open-top services in other parts of our network.”
Cymru Coaster service 1 to Mumbles will run hourly during the daytime, seven days a week, from Swansea Bus Station to Bracelet Bay via the Marina, The Slip, Blackpill (Lido) and Oystermouth Square. The Porthcawl Cymru Coaster service 99, which operates in partnership with Visit Bridgend, will operate hourly during the daytime from Trecco Bay Holiday Park to Rest Bay, seven days a week during school holidays and Thursdays to Mondays during term time.
Both open-top services will operate from April until the end of September. Cymru Coaster day tickets are available on the bus and give unlimited use on both services for 24 hours, and are priced at £5 for adults and £3.30 for mytravelpass holders and children (5-15 years old). A group ticket for up to 5 people is £15.
