Passenger anger over proposed change to Barry bus service (From Barry And District News)

Passenger anger over proposed change to Barry bus service

8:10am Monday 6th July 2009

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PASSENGERS using a link between the airport and Cardiff city centre could face a lengthier wait, after a bus company revealed it was reviewing its timetable.

Cardiff Bus has admitted it is considering revising service X91, which operates between Cardiff and Llantwit Major via Port Road, Barry and Cardiff International Airport, citing a decline in passengers using the route.

The company claims the need for change is mainly due to the effects of the re-opened Vale of Glamorgan rail line, and the fact other services were heavily subsidised enabling them to attract custom with lower fares.

Peak-hour work journeys to and from Cardiff are likely to remain largely unchanged with a bus every two hours off peak replacing the current hourly service.

Cardiff Bus commercial manager, Peter Heath said: "The situation has been exacerbated by advice from the Welsh Assembly Government that they intend to cut funding for the Concessionary Fares scheme, a decision which has prompted a wider review of marginal services this autumn.

"Cardiff Bus receives no financial support for X91.

"This should be contrasted with the train service which receives heavy public funding enabling it to operate at lower fares than X91.

"It is this loss of patronage from an unsubsidised service to a subsidised one that is the main reason for the cut in the level of service."

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said the Welsh Assembly Government was committed to maintaining the current level of bus subsidies.

He said: "A review is being carried out into the way we reimburse bus operators for carrying concessionary pass holders to ensure value for money to the tax payer."

Highlight Park resident Dave Fisher, who regularly uses the X91 to commute to work in Cardiff city centre and return home, said the direct service was vital to him and other passengers who board at the Port Road stop.

The 56-year-old BT sales adviser, of Andover Close, said: "Six to ten people get on at that stop and it’s usually pretty full whatever time you catch it.

"They are supposed to be trying to encourage people to use public transport." The changes will be implemented from the end of September.

The final timetable has yet to be determined, but Cardiff Bus said passengers would be informed.

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