First Cymru

Going to Mumbles or Porthcawl beach? Catch a First Cymru open-top bus this summer!

Published

3 years ago

21st May 2021

Editor

Bus operator First Cymru has released a sneak preview on its social media channels of one of its new open-top double deckers in a beach-themed “Cymru Coaster” network branding.

Starting Saturday 29th May, open-top vehicles will operate two brand-new hop-on, hop-off services: Between Swansea bus station and Mumbles, and along the Porthcawl sea front in Bridgend between Trecco Bay and Rest Bay.

Bus operator First Cymru hailed the start of the leisure services an exciting new chapter for its South Wales business and a boost for the local tourism.

Jane Reakes-Davies, Managing Director for First Cymru said: “It is an exciting time for everyone at First as we launch these new leisure services. The pandemic has been a huge challenge for everyone, but preparing these exciting Cymru Coasters leisure services has given us something extra positive to look forward to.

“Now that restrictions are being eased and many people opting to holiday in the UK this Summer, these open-top routes will give many people an new opportunity to venture out and experience the Swansea Bay and Porthcawl coastline from a different perspective, and with beautiful views and plenty of ventilation on the top deck. The services will also attract day visitors to the area and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

Cymru Coaster Service 1 to Mumbles will run hourly during daytime 7 days a week, taking customers from Swansea Bus Station to Bracelet Bay via the Marina, The Slip, Blackpill (Lido) and Oystermouth Square.

The Porthcawl Cymru Coaster Service 99, in partnership with Visit Bridgend, will operate hourly during daytime from Trecco Bay Holiday Park to Rest Bay, 7 days a week during school holidays and Thursdays to Mondays during term time.

Both Cymru Coaster open-top services will operate from April until end of September. Cymru Coaster day tickets are available on the bus and give unlimited use on the services for 24 hours, costing £5 for adults, £3.30 for mytravelpass holders and children (5-15 years old). A group ticket, which allows a group of 5 people to travel together, costs £15. More information about fares, routes and timetable can be found on First Cymru’s website.

Jane added: “Building our leisure portfolio is something we see as part of a larger plan moving forward for the business. We hope our customers like using these two services so we can introduce more open-top services in other parts of our network. We would also like to remind everyone that wearing a facemask during bus journeys remains a legal requirement, children under the age of 11 and people with certain conditions are exempt from wearing a facemask.”

(Lead image: First Cymru)