A BUS company has decided to axe part of one of its routes, following the introduction of a new airport express service linking the airport to Cardiff city centre.

Cardiff Bus will alter its current X91 bus following the introduction of the Welsh Government-funded and Vale Council-supported T9 service.

The company said the route would remain the same between Cardiff and Barry/Weycock Cross, but would then use the B4265, bypassing the airport, Rhoose and Aberthaw to St Athan and Llantwit Major as now.

The frequent T9 service has come under fire for its poor passenger uptake, since the First Cymru service was introduced on August 1.

A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “This is a new service that commenced on the August 1. We will look carefully at the numbers of people using the Airport Express once we get the first figures and will consider whether more publicity is needed to ensure widespread awareness of its availability.

“We introduced this service because we want to improve connectivity between the city centre and the airport.

“This is something that members of the public had called for and when we devised the service we looked at examples of other cities that have successfully improved connectivity with their local airports.”

At the launch, Vale cabinet member for regeneration, innovation, planning and transportation, Cllr Lis Burnett said: “The Vale council is pleased to support the Welsh Government in the delivery of this new service. We feel strongly that high quality, public transport at affordable prices is essential to securing a positive future for Cardiff Airport.”

Vale council director of development services Rob Thomas said the authority welcomed the introduction of the T9 service, which is funded by the Welsh Government, as it seeks to promote the use of Cardiff Airport.

He said: “The X91 provided by Cardiff Bus can happily co-exist alongside the T9, as it is a local community service whereas the T9 offers an express service to the airport.

“We are keen to see both services thrive, in terms of providing a service to the local community and simultaneously encouraging the development of the airport by providing a fast, strategic connection.”

Cardiff Bus operations and commercial director Peter Heath said: “The introduction of the new T9 express service between Cardiff and the airport means there is no longer a need for the X91 service to the airport so we have taken the opportunity to speed up the service for our customers from St Athan and Llantwit Major. At the same time, in line with all other Cardiff Bus services, customers will need to ensure they have the correct fare when boarding as our drivers do not carry change.”