Council steps in after bus company withdraws Neath to Port Talbot routes

Local bus operator, South Wales Transport announced it was cancelling it’s 202 and 204 routes serving communities between Neath and Port Talbot from 23 July.

The bus operator said that “both services have been heavily supported by Welsh Government since the Covid pandemic and passenger levels have failed to return to pre-Covid levels.

It added that “Welsh Government’s reduced support has created further uncertainty for the future of many bus services in Wales, and the Government has acknowledged that some further bus services will be reduced or withdrawn this financial year because of a shortage of funding.”

Now, the council has stepped in to provide a temporary solution to some communities between the counties two key towns that would have seen bus services removed altogether.

The move comes a week after Council leader, Steve Hunt warned of the “impact of continuing uncertainty over Welsh Government bus funding for residents, learners and businesses”.

Briton Ferry to Baglan free shuttle

To replace the cancelled 202 a free shuttle bus will be provided by Forge Travel between Briton Ferry, Old Road Melyn Park and Lodge Cross Crown Inn where it will connect with First Cymru’s route 87 bus towards Port Talbot, calling at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

The shuttle will then continue to Shelone Terrace, Heol Morfa, Glan Y Mor Street, Llansawel Primary School and Briton Ferry Old Post Office where it will again connect with First Cymru Service 87 to Port Talbot via the hospital.

The shuttle then heads towards Baglan, calling at Mayberry Road shops, Baglan Library, Blaenbaglan Library, Baglan Spar, Baglan railway station, Village Road, Morrisons and Neath Port Talbot Hospital where it connects again with First Cymru service 87 to Port Talbot.

Running every two hours between 8.50am and 4.50pm on Monday to Fridays, the temporary free shuttle will operate from Monday 24 July to Friday 1 September.

Caewathan to Neath Abbey Free Shuttle

To replace the cancelled 204 service a free shuttle bus will be provided by Select Coaches between Caewathan and Neath Abbey where it will connect with Select’s route 4 bus towards Neath.

The shuttle will run every 2 hours between 8.30am and 2.30pm for outbound journeys and between 9.25 and 4.25 for return journeys to Caewathan, operating Monday to Friday’s from 24 July to 1 September.

Council looking for longer term solution

The council says it is continuing to work with local bus operators to find a longer term solution.

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, explained: “Together with Chief Executive Karen Jones and other council representatives I attended a packed public meeting in Briton Ferry on the evening of Friday, July 14^th to find what this would mean to our residents.

“A number of them were in tears as they told us of their fears about not being able to attend hospital appointments, not being able to visit friends, get to work or go shopping – residents, learners and businesses will all be severely disadvantaged.

“We worked hard to come up with the temporary alternatives in a short space of time and we will continue to work with local transport companies in search of a permanent solution.

“I have spoken publicly about the need for more certainty from the Welsh Government about its continued funding of public bus services and will continue to lobby for this while being grateful for the funding for this temporary arrangement from Welsh Government.”