JANET Finch-Saunders, Aberconwy MS, has urged councils and the Welsh Government to do everything possible to save the T19 bus service between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

She highlighted the results of a survey she conducted, indicating that an overwhelming majority of residents wish the service to continue.

The company responsible, Llew Jones, said that termination is being pursued because the huge reduction in passengers since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Bus service between Gwynedd and Conwy set to be discontinued

No indication that the numbers will recover any further has made the T19 increasingly financially unviable.

The survey found that 99 per cent of respondents wish for the T19 to continue, and 96 per cent wish to see Welsh Government, Conwy County Borough Council, and Gwynedd Council cooperate to subsidise the service with taxpayers’ money.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “The termination of the T19 bus service between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog is a serious concern for so many local residents.

“The overwhelming response to the survey I conducted on the issue clearly shows the strength of feeling in these communities.

“Given this strong response, and my belief that the Welsh Government, Conwy and Gwynedd councils should support rural communities and improve our public transport system, I have sent an urgent letter to the leader of Conwy Council.

“Copies have also been sent to the leader of Gwynedd Council, and the deputy minister for climate change, Welsh Government.

“I will be sure to continue updating all concerned residents on any future developments”.

The survey remains open on Mrs Finch-Saunders’ website.

Meanwhile, Dwyfor Meirionnydd MS, Mabon ap Gwynfor, has called on Welsh Government to step in as a matter of urgency to safeguard the T19 service.

He joined Liz Saville Roberts, Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP, and Blaenau Ffestiniog county councillor, Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn, in the town on Friday (January 20)to discuss the situation.

A petition has been launched urging Welsh Government to step-in and safeguard the service.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr ap Gwynfor said: "Can I ask for an urgent statement from the Deputy Minister for Transport on last week's announcement by Llew Jones that they are terminating the T19 bus service between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno?

"The T19 service was launched a year and a half ago as a replacement for the X19.

"Many of my constituents in the Ffestiniog area use the service to access medical appointments, education, shopping and leisure -  and they rely on the service.

"Yes, there is an alternative train service but a train ticket to Llandudno is £9 whilst a bus ticket is only £5, and the train service is fairly unreliable.

"This announcement will have far reaching implications for the Ffestiniog area and is contrary to the Welsh Government's own ambitions and plans to increase the use of public transport. 

"Can we therefore have a stataement from the Deputy Minister on what steps the government is taking to ensure the continuation of the bus service, whether that be a flexi service, a revised timetable or a financial investment?

"I was in Blaenau Ffestiniog on Friday, alongside Liz Saville Roberts MP and local councillor, Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn.

"There is concerted agreement that this service must be retained and we look to the Welsh Government to sep in and support the community in that respect."