Residents on the outskirts of Cardiff say they feel isolated and forgotten after severe flooding from a quarry blast left them without public transport. People relying on bus services in Gwaelod-y-Garth, Pentyrch and Creigau report missing work and hospital appointments.
Road Closure Disrupts Bus Routes
Heol Goch has been closed since Thursday, July 30, as clear-up and investigation continue following the incident that damaged homes. The road is a key route connecting the three villages, normally served by Cardiff Bus routes 136 and 63.
With the road shut, buses terminate before reaching the villages. The 63 runs only as far as Pugh's garden centre, and the 136 stops at the Coryton Village Hotel.
Residents Struggle Without Alternatives
While Gwaelod-y-Garth residents can use trains from Taff's Well, those in Pentyrch and Creigau are cut off. A single mother from Pentyrch, who works in retail, said she has lost earnings because she cannot get to work.
She said: "We have no alternatives. I can't walk out of the village because Heol Goch is not safe for pedestrians and the other routes are 60mph lanes with no pavements. It's isolating. It feels like we've been forgotten about. I can't get to work, hospital appointments."
She added that the village doctor's surgery is open only three days a week, and emergency appointments require travel to Llandaff. She said she is losing money and fears for elderly residents: "It feels like lockdown all over again."
Elderly Residents Lose Independence
The woman said elderly neighbours who relied on buses for daily outings have lost their freedom. She noted she does not drive and cannot ask neighbours for rides, and taxis are scarce. She pays about £60 monthly for a bus pass and worried about losing paid-for tickets, though Cardiff Bus confirmed it is reimbursing affected customers.
Councillor Calls for Rerouting
Cllr Rhys Livesy, representing Pentyrch and St Fagans, said Gwaelod-y-Garth lost its bus service years ago, making the suspension harder. He suggested diverting one of the half-hourly services to Radyr up to Llantrisant Road and Pentyrch, noting it would reduce Radyr's service but serve more people.
He said reopening depends on ground stability assessments above Heol Goch. Cardiff Bus and Cardiff Council have not confirmed when the road will reopen or if buses will be rerouted.
