Taxis could replace buses on quiet routes, even though a consultation has found the majority of responders rely heavily on the service.

Gwynedd councillors have heard that alternative public transport methods could see the introduction of on-call services including minibuses and taxis to replace buses on some of its quietest countryside routes by April next year.

This follows claims by one member that any major public transport cuts in Gwynedd could lead to rural depopulation.

The authority held a consultation with bus users in the county to gauge views on the standard of public transport amid a review of the service.

The results, compiled from 2,000 people who responded, found the majority were heavily dependent on buses, with many lacking access to a car or other private vehicles.

Members of the Communities Scrutiny Committee were told last Thursday that, in a bid to save money and reduce its carbon footprint, the authority may look to trial alternative ways of meeting transport needs including on-call services and/or mini-buses and taxis to replace buses on some quieter routes.

This was in response to claims that many buses have “two or three passengers on board”, with councillors questioning the sustainability, cost effectiveness and environmental impact.

But one member warned substantial cuts in the frequency or level of public transport could have devastating effects, despite reassurances that buses would still provide “the backbone” of such services in the county.

Cllr Gruff Williams, who represents Nefyn, said: “In the past we have worked hard to maintain bus services because, as members, we can see cutting the service as a way of clearing more people from the countryside, a kind of highland clearances if you will.

“The people on low wages and unemployed are heavily reliant on public transport as an access to work, etc, and I’d say it was essential that this council made no further cuts to stop that from happening. As soon as you cross a certain threshold then the schools, shops and pubs start closing and all you have left is a big holiday village, forcing everyone into Porthmadog, Dolgellau and Pwllheli.”

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