Public transport operator takes on S56 route

A privately-run bus service which runs between Coity Road and Brynteg Comprehensive will not continue after 1 September 2019 – but another public transport operator has already stepped in to pick up most of the route.

The S56, which is operated by First Cymru Buses, is a non-subsidised commercial bus service.

First Cymru recently submitted an application to the Traffic Commissioner to cancel the S56 from 1 September 2019.

At the same time, Peyton Travel Ltd have registered to cover much of the same route via another non-subsidised commercial service, the PT12/13, from 2 September 2019.

As the PT12/13 is a double-decker vehicle, it will unfortunately not be able to fit under the railway bridges located at Cemetery Road and Litchard Terrace / Wildmill Lane.

Instead, it will travel as close to the estate as possible and make stops along Coity Road and Litchard Cross.

Cllr Richard Young, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“I’ve seen and heard a great deal of misinformation claiming that the S56 service must be ending because the council has stopped subsidising it, but this is entirely incorrect.

“The truth of the matter is that the service has been entirely commercial and privately run for several years now, and the council has not been involved in what remains a private business decision.

“I’m pleased to see that another operator is stepping in to cover as much of the route as possible, and that it is going to run as close to the estate as physically possible under the circumstances.”