CEREDIGION’S MP has welcomed the joint statement from Ceredigion County Council and Carmarthen County Council that Lewis Coaches of Llanrhystud, Richards Brothers, and First Cymru will be providing bus services in Ceredigion for six months, following the withdrawal of Arriva’s services in December.

The new arrangements will mean a replacement services on the 40, 40C and 50 routes. Whilst the 40/40C service between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen will be very similar to the current service, the 50 route between Aberystwyth and Cardigan will now be a through-service without the need to change at Synod Inn. Through-ticketing between the different companies operating the 40, 40C and 50 services will be allowed. This will all operate to complement the existing 701 service to Cardiff, which will provide the Sunday service. The 20 service is currently being covered by the 701 service or by using the 40 and 40C services and connecting to the rail service at Carmarthen. In addition, with effect from 24th January there will be a 12.40 Saturday departure from Aberystwyth and 18.00 from Cardiff.

Commenting, Mark Williams said:

‘It is great to hear that local companies have been able to fill the void left by Arriva. The amount of support from local people has testified the strength of feeling on the issue, and I pleased the service has been secured for the next 6 months. Let’s hope this can continue past June.’