All aboard! First Cymru launches open-top bus rides this Summer

First Cymru is launching new open-top bus services in Swansea and Bridgend this weekend which will run throughout the summer. 

Starting tomorrow Saturday 29th May, vehicles in colourful Cymru Coaster branding will operate brandnew hop-on, hop-off services between Swansea bus station and Mumbles, and from Trecco Bay along the Porthcawl sea front to Rest Bay.  

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 and Trecco Bay Holiday Park, 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.

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 starting this Spring Bank Holiday weekend.”

“The open-top routes will give many people a new opportunity to have a great day out and experience the Swansea Bay and Porthcawl coastline from a different perspective, with beautiful views on the top deck. The services will also attract day visitors to the area and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

The new open-top bus route in Porthcawl also means that for the first time in several years there will be a direct link from Trecco Bay through to Rest Bay. Bridgend County Borough Council supports the Porthcawl service with Visit Bridgend-branded internal information panels promoting some of the main points of interest along the route.

Bridgend Council’s cabinet member for education and regeneration Charles Smith said: “This is an exciting new opportunity for local residents and visitors to see and enjoy the beautiful surrounding environment along the coast in Porthcawl.

“From Blue Flag beaches, Porthcawl Harbour and the town’s independent shops, cafes and restaurants to the Watersports Centre, ice cream parlours and the range of amusements and activities at Coney Beach and Trecco Bay, there’s so much to do for all ages.

“In addition to the open top bus, we will see the launch of a new land train travelling along the seafront this summer which together with the Porthcawl cycle route is part of a wider plan to improve the connectivity in the area.”

Mark Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment Improvement and Infrastructure Management, said: “The Mumbles Cymru Coaster is a brilliant initiative and the perfect addition to a sunny summer’s day out in Swansea and Gower. We have some of the best scenery anywhere in Britain and having the chance for open-top bus tours like this new service is going to be a great new way to enjoy it. “

Tim Howell, General Manager, Trecco Bay Holiday Park, said: “When people stay with us, they want to make the most of the local area, exploring the beautiful coast and visiting nearby towns and villages. This partnership will make it much easier for holiday home owners and holidaymakers to enjoy the local area and enjoy everything that the coast, and the town of Porthcawl, have to offer.

He added: “This is a really big year for us at Trecco Bay. Parkdean Resorts has invested £3.6m in the park this year, with everything from new accommodation to exciting activities for all the family, and being able to unlock partnerships like this is another great thing to be able to offer our guests.”

Customers can hop on and off as many times as they want along the route with Cymru Coaster day tickets, which are £5 for adults, £3.30 for children and mytravelpass holders and £15 for a group ticket of up to five people. Tickets are available for purchase on the bus and concessionary passes are also accepted.

To compliment and promote the new transport links on offer in Porthcawl, visitors will be able to pick up a Visit Bridgend credit-card sized folding map of Porthcawl detailing the routes and highlighting points of interest along the way for both the open top bus and the new land train as well as the local cycle route.

More information about Cymru Coaster fares, routes and timetables can be found on First Cymru’s website.

Lead image: The new Cymru Coast open top bus at Bracelet Bay, Swansea (Image: First Cymru)

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