A petition to reinstate the Cardi Bach bus service has been launched after it finished last month when funding ran out.

The petition, entitled ‘Reinstate the 552 Cardi Bach coastal bus service in South Ceredigion,’ says: “Recently it was announced by Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters that the Cardi Bach service was to continue.

“Then, as a bolt from the blue, came the news that the service is to be scrapped. The reason, so we are told, is that ‘European funding has not been replaced as promised.'

“This is very bad news indeed for local residents who don’t have access to a car, as well as for the tourist industry.”

The Senedd petition, which has attracted more than 350 signatures, adds: “The Welsh Government is working to reestablish a service as part of the new contract for the T5 service. It is vital that this happens as soon as possible to ensure that communities along the route are not isolated for a moment longer than necessary.
“Launching the Year of Trails 2023, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, stated: 'This year is all about finding forgotten treasures, embracing journeys of the senses and making memories along pathways around attractions, activities, landscapes and coastlines. We’re starting 2023 with a new campaign to make sure Wales is visible and look forward to encouraging visitors to different corners of the country throughout the year ahead'.

“The visitor economy is a key contributor and driver of the economy in Wales. It has been hard hit by Covid. Services such as the Cardi Bach are absolutely vital to help restore that damage.”

All petitions with more than 250 signatures will be discussed by the Petitions Committee after they have finished collecting signatures.

A spokesman for Ceredigion County Council said: “It is Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils’ understanding that the Welsh Government have made funding available for the support of this service and that Transport for Wales are considering options to facilitate this.”

A Welsh Government Spokesman said: “We have asked Transport for Wales to invite bids from operators to operate a new contract for the Cardi Bach service.”