Edwards Coaches has been appointed to operate Transport for Wales' new coach service connecting north and south-west Wales. The Llantrisant-based company will deliver the TaithCymru route in partnership with Llanrwst-based Llew Jones.
Service details and launch date
Launching on October 25th, TaithCymru will operate nine return trips daily between Bangor and Carmarthen, calling at Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Bus Station and Aberaeron.
One late-night journey each day will extend beyond Bangor to Holyhead Railway Station and Port, improving connections with rail and ferry services for customers travelling to and from Anglesey, Ireland and across North Wales.
Operators and recruitment
Edwards Coaches will be the lead operator, working with Llew Jones to provide the service on behalf of Transport for Wales, the at arm's length transport body of the Welsh Government. Improved north and south links is a key transport priority of the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government. Both operators are now recruiting drivers.
Lee Robinson, executive director for regional transport and integration at Transport for Wales, said: "This appointment is an important step towards giving customers a new way to travel across Wales.
"TaithCymru will offer a direct, comfortable and convenient connection between north and south-west Wales, cutting journey times by up to 80 minutes and making it easier to travel for work, education, healthcare, leisure or to visit family and friends.
"The daily late-night extension to Holyhead will also strengthen links with Anglesey, Ireland and the wider public transport network. Edwards Coaches and Llew Jones bring valuable experience and local knowledge, and we look forward to working with them to deliver a service customers can rely on."
Operator and partner response
Jessica Thomas from Edwards Coaches said: "We're proud to have been chosen as the lead operator for TaithCymru. This is an exciting new service that will make journeys across Wales quicker and simpler, and we're pleased to be working with Llew Jones to bring it to life.
"We're now recruiting drivers to join our team and help us provide the friendly, dependable service our customers expect."
Steve Jones from Llew Jones said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Edwards Coaches to deliver TaithCymru. The service will create better links for the communities we serve and open up more sustainable travel options.
"We're also looking for drivers to join us and play a key role in introducing this important new connection."
Tickets will go on sale next week.
