A FLEET of five new more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly buses is serving passengers along the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coast as part of plans to drive up standards on public transport in Wales.

Economy and Transport Minister Edwina Hart launched the new buses at an event at the Cliff Hotel in Gwbert on Friday, July 3.

The T5 service, connecting Aberystwyth with Haverfordwest via Cardigan and Fishguard, now features coach style interiors, next stop audio announcements and free WiFi for passengers using the new vehicles.

The new buses are part of improved services being rolled out across the TrawsCymru long distance bus network funded by the Welsh Government.

This latest fleet takes the total of new vehicles introduced across Wales to 15.

Mrs Hart said: “The T5 service is an important part of our integrated transport network and this upgraded service will provide better connectivity for communities in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

"The Welsh Government recognises the importance of bus services in Wales, particularly in rural areas, for providing access to jobs and services. These upgrades to the TrawsCymru network will improve accessibility, passenger comfort and access to the internet.

“We have listened to the findings of Dr Victoria Winkler’s review of the bus network in Wales and today’s launch is part of a wider package of measures to drive up standards in the service. I have also approved funding of up £10,000 so our Bus Policy Advisory Group can commission a study to look at how we can increase revenue and capital investment to improve bus services in Wales. I am committed to ensuring our public transport network continues to meet the changing needs and demands of our Welsh communities."

Councillor Alun Williams, Ceredigion County Council cabinet member for transport, said: “As well as their importance to our local communities, bus services in Ceredigion are geographically very important for linking Wales together and the new T5 service between Aberystwyth and Haverfordwest is a vital part of that.

"I've received nothing but good comments about the various improvements that have been introduced on the route, and I'm very pleased to see the resulting increased passenger numbers.

“It is vital link not only for visitors but for the community as well.”

Ceredigion AM Elin Jones, who has campaigned for better local services including the T5 and Cardi Bach, attended the launch day.

She said: “A lot of hard work from many quarters has secured these important services. The Cardi Bach is so vital for both the tourist industry and for coastal communities which otherwise have very little public transport, and the T5 is an important part of a growing network of strategic bus routes linking our main towns.

“What remains is the need for a Sunday service on the T5 route, and I will be continuing to campaign for this improvement.”

The T5 is run by Richard Brothers and runs weekdays and Saturdays on an hourly basis. For more information visit www.trawscymru.info/t5-1/