The TrawsCymru network in North Wales has grown with the introduction of the T8 cross-border service between Corwen and Chester via Ruthin and Mold on a 12-month pilot basis. It replaces other routes and will offer “more frequent and faster services,” says Transport for Wales (TfW).
M&H Coaches of Denbigh is operating the T8. TfW Development Director Mid, North and Rural Wales Lee Robinson says that the route represents “the latest in a number of improvements to regional bus services across Wales.”
Mr Robinson adds: “TfW is committed to improving accessibility for Wales’s country towns that are not on the rail network and we look forward to all the benefits the new T8 will bring.”
Introduction of the T8 represents a significant uplift in service to Chester compared to that provided by the routes that it has replaced. A largely hourly service runs for much of the day Monday to Saturday. The previous X1 service operated to Chester twice per day, although the X1 journeys served Chester railway station while the T8 does not. The T8 will connect with existing TrawsCymru services T3 and T10 at Corwen, however.
Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters adds: “An hourly bus service will make a real difference to bus users in the area and it will help to encourage more people to use public transport.
“This is part of the Welsh Government’s investment in North Wales. Future developments are being looked at by out North Wales Transport Commission, led by Lord Burns.”
TfW has confirmed that as the T8 route is a 12-month pilot, the route thus does not fall under any plans to convert the whole TrawsCymru network to zero-emission operation by 2026. An announcement on the successful bidder for TrawsCymru route T1 in West Wales that will open the service’s use of battery-electric buses is expected shortly, TfW advises.
