Cardiff Bus reveal improved services for Barry and Penarth

The bus scene in the Vale has been painted in a rather rough image in recent times.

Furious residents have held multiple meetings with bus operators to find out why their bus service is so “unreliable”.

In October, residents aired their frustrations about “unreliable” bus services and in November, Cardiff Bus and Adventure Travel representatives attended a meeting set up by Alun Cairns where they were confronted by angry residents.

And the debacle around the multi-million pound Barry transport interchange, which opened with no buses serving it, didn’t help optics.

Behind the scenes, local bus services in the Vale and in wider Wales have been under increased pressure after Welsh Government removed the Bus Transition Fund (BTF) support scheme – brought in to plug the gap lost by bus users during Covid.

And now a new bill set to go through the Senedd is said to “reform the failed system of deregulation” of the bus service in Wales. The crux of it? To offer funding for routes instead of directly to bus companies to create a more stable service, say the Welsh government.

People care. Meetings have been held on the state of bus services in the Vale (Image: Newsquest)

Barry's multi-million pound transport interchange (Image: Newsquest)

Bus service improvement in the Vale of Glamorgan?

In good news for bus travellers, Barry’s Bendricks service is set to be restored, while we rode on the first bus to serve the bus interchange.

In the latest update, Cardiff Bus has announced service changes from March 31.

For the 92, 93 and 94 serving Barry, Penarth and Cardiff, there will be more journeys on Saturdays, with new trips on the 93, and increased frequency to every 10 minutes between Cardiff and Penarth.

Additional trips will serve Beech House and Beechwood College at the Bendricks.

Barry Town Services B1 and B2 are to increase on Saturdays, with new trips on the B2.

Read more on buses in the Vale, here:

• Frank assessment of bus services in the Vale, with operators pleading with angry residents explaining they do not want to cut routes
• Vale leader Lis Burnett defends Barry's bus interchange

• Barry's Bendricks bus route to be restored 

• Bus changes in the Vale branded 'unacceptable'

On the changes, a spokesperson for Cardiff Bus said: “The BTF scheme, which provided stability during and post pandemic by funding the bus network Wales-wide for all operators, will come to its planned end.

“Like all operators, Cardiff Bus will now need to return to the pre-Pandemic business model which sees the vast majority of its services operating based on the level of use by its customers.

“However, Welsh Government has made some additional funding available to local authorities across the country to support services that are deemed socially necessary, but do not meet the cost of operation from customers use.

“As a result, the changes to Cardiff Bus services will include the introduction of new services, enhancements to existing timetables, and adjustments to routes to accommodate the growing demand on popular services.”

Gareth Stevens, commercial director of Cardiff Bus, added: “We greatly appreciate the support of our passengers as we adapt to the conclusion of the BTF scheme, and would like to reassure all of our customers that we remain committed to providing reliable and efficient transportation services throughout our community.”

Full list of Cardiff Bus new and improved services below:

• Wentloog Business Park - Ocean Way - Cardiff City Centre (1A & 2A):

Cardiff Bus will operate this service, replacing the number 10 previously operated by New Adventure Travel.

• St Fagans (National Museum of History) - Fairwater - Canton - Cardiff City Centre (32):

A new service will be introduced on Mondays to Saturdays.

• Creigiau - Pentyrch - Whitchurch - Cardiff City Centre (136):

Cardiff Bus will operate this service instead of Stagecoach, with changes to the timetable.

• Dinas Powys - Llandough - Penarth Marina - Cardiff Bay - Cardiff City Centre (305):

Cardiff Bus will operate this service instead of New Adventure Travel.

Enhanced Timetables:

• Sports Village - Grangetown - Cardiff City Centre - Cathays - Heath Hospital (9):

More journeys will be available at peak times, with additional changes to enhance punctuality.

• St Mellons - Newport Road - Cardiff City Centre (44 & 45):

Additional journeys will be added during peak times.

• Barry - Penarth - Cardiff City Centre (92, 93 & 94):

More journeys on Saturdays, with new trips on the 93, and increased frequency to every 10 minutes between Cardiff and Penarth. Additional trips will serve Beech House and Beechwood College at the Bendricks.

• Pentrabane - Llandaff - Health Hospital - Cyncoed - Penylan - Llanrumney & St Mellons (101 & 102):

More journeys throughout the day to provide hourly service, with changes to improve punctuality.

• Barry Town Services (B1 & B2):

Increased service on Saturdays with new trips on the B2.