Bus changes in the Vale branded 'unacceptable' by MP Cairns

In July, we reported the end of the 88 bus, with the service from Barry to Penarth Pier ceasing to run from September.

Most recently, it was revealed the 95 will no longer run direct to Barry Island.

It seems like there is bus pandemonium in the Vale as staff at Llandough Hospital say they will not be able to make it to work on time due to service changes imposed by Cardiff Bus, which will see the 95 bus no longer go to Barry Island. Instead a new B1 circular will link the island to Barry.

Then there’s the 88, a service which runs a critical route from Barry to Sully to Penarth via the likes of Ty Hafan hospice and Beechwood College.

Barry and Vale Green Party has launched a petition calling on the 88 bus to be saved.

The Green Party said it's madness the council built a new transport interchange as vital bus services are being cut.

Local Green campaigner, Lynden Mack said: “The benefits of getting more people out of cars and onto buses are huge for local communities and the environment.

“Better buses enable increases in employment and productivity that will benefit not just local residents and businesses, but help drive the Welsh economy.”

The end of the route 88 (Image: Newsquest)

Vale council's new bus transport interchange (Image: Newsquest)

MP for the Vale of Glamorgan Alun Cairns says it’s unacceptable that Barry Island is to be cut off with the reduction in the 95’s reach.

“Buses are so important to help people get to work and to support businesses in the area among other things,” said Mr Cairns.

“It's simply unacceptable to cut off Barry Island and elsewhere around the town at certain times of the day.”

Anger at changes to route 95 (Image: Supplied)

Cardiff bus, who is implementing the changes, has put cuts down to changes after the pandemic.

In a message on their website, the company said: “For the last few months all bus operators across Wales have been working with Welsh Government, regional authorities and local authorities to work through the funding challenges that are coming to the fore as pandemic support is being withdrawn. 

“These challenges mean the current levels of support being made to all bus operators cannot be maintained.

“In our case, during pre-pandemic times more than 90 per cent of our revenue came from customers making journeys with us. 

“At present, we are seeing just over 80 per cent of pre-pandemic customers returning to our services. This is now the new base level that we must work.”

The Welsh government told the BBC it was supporting councils with bus-priority measures to keep passengers moving and make bus travel more attractive.

What do you think about the changes to bus services in the Vale? Let us know at harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.

Click here, to sign the petition to save the Barry to Penarth 88 bus service.