A Talgarth man is calling for Powys residents to voice their feelings on Welsh local bus services via a public transport survey by the Welsh Government.

This week’s rail strikes in England, and the knock-on effects across the UK network, has already put transport in the media spotlight.

However, with the consultation on Welsh Government’s long-awaited flagship policy on Buses in Wales coming to an end this week, local public transport campaigner Roddy Williams has urged fellow passengers to make their voices heard about the future regulation on buses in Wales.

The retired NHS employee has stressed the importance of taking part in the consultation, to help shape the law that will result.

Roddy also took part in a recent online webinar addressed by Deputy Climate Change Minister, Lee Waters MS and organised by statutory transport watchdog Transport Focus.

Roddy consulting the timetable in Talgarth
Roddy consulting the timetable in Talgarth (Friends of T14)

In the expert panel session during the webinar, Roddy raised the importance of Sunday and Bank Holiday Services, by asking: “Before Covid the bus drivers locally were talking about a Sunday bus on route T14. (Brecon to Hereford) Covid seems to have stopped this ever happening.

“In fact the T14 has been deprived of two bus runs through Covid-19, which has caused problems for passengers, both commuters, students and leisure travellers.

“As regards T14, does the panel appreciate the importance of running a Sunday and Bank Holiday service? The only current Bank Holiday service is on Good Friday, but come Easter Monday, there is no bus.

“Hay on Wye en route is a busy town and Talgarth too is a growing destination.

“We also need a regular Sunday service on T14, which is a key cross-border service, originally the No 39, which was established to replace the Hereford to Brecon rail link, discontinued in the 1960s. I feel that we are currently being discriminated against.”

County Councillor William Powell (Welsh Lib Dem, Talgarth) serves as Transport Focus Board Member for Wales, and praised Roddy for his commitment to public transport and the future of the bus network: “Roddy is well known locally as a public transport advocate and I hope that individuals and organisations will follow his advice and take the time and trouble to have their say in this important consultation..”

The One Network, One Timetable, One Ticket consultation is open until Friday, 24th June on: https://gov.wales/one-network-one-timetable-one-ticket-planning-buses-public-service-wales.

In the meantime, local authorities across Wales, through the Welsh Local Government Association, (WLGA) have secured an extension to make their contribution, due to the recent changes across Wales, caused by May’s County Council election.