THE T9 express bus service which connects Cardiff Airport to the city centre has experienced its best year yet, according to Welsh Government figures.

The controversial T9 bus service, which runs through Wenvoe and along Port Road without picking up passengers in those areas, saw its quarterly figures up to September 2016 showing an average of more than 13,200 passengers per month over the last year.

But Conservative opposition politicians, who have been critical of the service, said that while the improvement was welcomed, the statistics did not change the fact that the bus is "frequently empty".

Welsh Government, economy secretary Ken Skates said: “Cardiff Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the UK and continues to go from strength to strength.

"A reliable, frequent bus service linking the airport to Cardiff and beyond is key if the airport is to reach its full potential and it’s encouraging to see that popularity of the T9 service has risen alongside the growth of the airport.”

He said the service provided passengers from Wales and the south west with vital access to the airport.

“The airport continues to work hard to increase destinations, routes and possibilities on offer,” he said. “I look forward to the T9 continuing to form part of this offering and building on these positive passenger trends.”

CEO at Cardiff Airport, Debra Barber added: “An express bus service is vital for a capital city airport and we are hugely encouraged by the growth of the T9 and keen for opportunities to link the airport to west Wales to be explored.

“As an airport we have huge ambitions for growth and improved surface access, including bus, road and rail links is critical in helping us achieve this.”

Vale-based South Wales Central AM and Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies has been critical of the bus service, which locally has become known as the Empty 9.

Mr Davies said: "Any growth in passenger numbers is welcome, but it’s important to recognise that the base was extremely low.

“Neither do these statistics alter the fact that the bus is frequently empty, and that local services in the Vale of Glamorgan have been decimated in recent years by Labour cuts.

“We all want to see a thriving airport, but the sight of the Empty 9 running along Port Road 34 times a day is extremely galling for local residents who don’t have the luxury of a regular bus service.”