Ceredigion AM Elin Jones has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement that the bus route from Aberystwyth to Carmarthen via Lampeter is to form part of a network of strategic national routes.

The route formerly known as the 40 and 40C will in future be known as the T1. From August, there will be additional evening services between Aberystwyth and Lampeter, and also four services on Sundays.

In a letter to Elin Jones, the Transport Minister has also confirmed that the timetable will be designed to integrate with local and Bwcabus services in the Lampeter and Teifi Valley areas, and with rail services in Aberystwyth and Carmarthen.

Elin Jones said: “Since Arriva withdrew last year, the aim has been to persuade the Welsh Government that these services form part of a strategic bus network that serves important towns that aren’t linked by rail. I’m pleased that this has been recognised by the Minister, and that these routes which are so vital to Ceredigion will be supported at a national level.

“In the first half of 2014, there has certainly been an improvement in the service compared to the days of Arriva. The confirmation that the old 40 service will now be known as the T1 – the first of a future network of long-distance coach routes – is a sign of things to come. The improvements to the evening buses and additional Sunday services are very much to be welcomed.”