CLAIMS by the Welsh First Minister that a replacement Aberystwyth to Cardiff bus service will be up and running “within weeks” must be backed up by evidence, opposition AMs have insisted.

Carwyn Jones said he expected a replacement 701 service would be reinstated soon in Weekly Questions in the Senedd.

Plaid Cymru AMs Elin Jones and Simon Thomas have cautiously welcomed the announcement, however they have said that details about what will take place are needed.

The 701 service ended when Lewis Coaches went into administration in August, but Mr Jones said: “We expect the service to be reinstated within weeks.”

Ceredigion AM Ms Jones said that while she would welcome a reinstated service, there was little information on what was expected to happen.

She said: “I welcome the statement by the First Minister on the Aberystwyth to Cardiff service, but caution is needed.

“While he has said that he expects the service to be reinstated, we are yet to hear specific plans.

“What I do hope is that if the Assembly gains powers over bus services in 2018, there will be a long-lasting plan to secure these vital services which link our communities and provide essential travel to so many people across Ceredigion.”

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