Wrexham-Barmouth bus service saved from the axe

A bus service which runs from Wrexham to Barmouth via Llangollen has been saved from the axe.

Arriva Buses Wales announced some time ago that it would be cutting a number of services in North Wales, including the X94.

This sparked the launch of an e-petition by regional Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Aled Roberts.

The campaign now looks to have been a success.

* Aled Roberts AM.

Wales’ Transport Minister Edwina Hart said in the Senedd yesterday: “Following Arriva Buses Wales’s announcement about proposals to cut a number of services in north and west Wales, I convened an officials group to work with the three local authorities and to report back to me with options for maintaining services.

“I am in a position to be able to give you an update on progress. The group has now reported back to me with its recommendations and has identified a mechanism for securing the provision of the services, the majority of which are currently scheduled to end in December.

“To secure these services in the short term, we are discussing with local authorities the awarding of contracts under emergency procedures to local operators while we look at the longer term solutions for a sustainable network of services.

“Funding for the X94 service between Wrexham and Barmouth, which forms part of the TrawsCymru network, will be provided by top-slicing the regional transport services grant. We are continuing our discussions with the local authorities about the funding mechanisms for the remaining services.”

Aled Roberts AM commented on the development:  “I have been fighting hard to ensure the future of the X94 bus route and this news is very much welcome.

“I want to thank the many people who signed the National Assembly’s petition to save this bus route. This shows what can be achieved when we work together across North Wales and Meirionnydd to protect vital services.

“I held discussions with coach operators regarding a replacement service and I will be holding further talks this week with regarding the sustainability of this service.

“Many people rely on the X94 to make hospital visits, do their shopping and visit friends and family. Without this bus service, many people in rural areas would be isolated.

“This is now an opportunity for local operators to take a more active role in provision of bus services going forward.”