A DIRECT bus service between Aberystwyth and Cardiff is to end next weekend, just six months after the service was introduced.

The First Cymru-operated T1C service, launched on a six-month trial in December to replace the 701 service, which ended with the collapse of Llanrhystud-based Lewis’ Coaches, will terminate after Saturday, 3 June, it has been announced.

Ceredigion AM Elin Jones, who slammed First Cymru in March by claiming passengers on the T1C “weren’t unlike a lorry load of cattle hurtling down the M4”, has said she is “very disappointed” with the announcement, adding that the move was due to poor passenger numbers.

“I’m very disappointed to hear this news,” said Ms Jones. “The people of Ceredigion need a direct, accessible link to Cardiff.

“The dwindling numbers of passengers is no surprise to me, as I had been informed by many constituents that they had stopped using the service due to the inadequacies of the bus provided."

Ms Jones added that she had contacted the Welsh Government Transport Minister Ken Skates “urgently” to see whether alternative arrangements were going to be put in place.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The TrawsCymru T1C service from Aberystwyth to Cardiff is currently being piloted.

“The Economy Secretary will be reviewing the service to determine its future beyond the trial period. No decision has yet been taken.”

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