Proposed changes to bus timetables across Powys have received a mixed response from residents, following a six-week public consultation.

Powys County Council’s Economy, Residents and Communities scrutiny committee will meet tomorrow (Friday) to consider a report outlining the consultation feedback.

The consultation ran from January 2 to February 13, during which the council received 601 responses. Residents were asked to give their views on a range of topics, including ticket costs, marketing, current bus usage, and the potential introduction of Sunday and Bank Holiday services in specific towns.

Changes to the bus timetables must be finalised by July 4 in order to come into effect on September 1.

The current local bus network costs the council £5.442 million per year, but this figure does not include extended operating hours or Sunday services set out in the new contracts.

Council officers have prepared two options for cabinet members to consider at a future meeting.

Two options for the future of the bus network have been put forward.

Option A would enhance longer-distance services, linking Powys hub towns with major towns and cities outside the county where residents access key services such as healthcare and education. This option would require an additional £2.354 million in revenue funding on top of the existing £5.442 million up to 2031, as well as one-off funding of £1.752 million.

Option B, described as a “do nothing” approach, would maintain the current network. However, it would still require the addition of nine extra school contracts and a retendering of the T14 route. This option comes with a smaller additional cost - £1.498 million in revenue funding to 2031, and one-off funding of £375,000.

The consultation results have been broken down by town, with respondents asked to indicate their preferences on the proposed changes in each area.

Brecon: Yes - 44. No – 22. Total – 66.

Builth Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells: Yes – 9. No – 27. Total – 36.

Crickhowell: Yes – 10. No – 23. Total – 33.

Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth: Yes – 20. No – 48. Total – 68.

Knighton and Presteigne: Yes – 23. No – 9. Total – 32.

Llandrindod Wells and Rhayader: Yes – 17. No – 29. Total – 46.

Llanfair Caereinion: Yes – 5. No – 3. Total – 8.

Llanfyllin: Yes – 13. No – 28. Total – 41.

Llanidloes: Yes – 32. No -18. Total -50.

Machynlleth: Yes – 39. No – 13. Total – 52.

Newtown: Yes – 15 – No – 36. Total – 51.

Welshpool and Montgomery: Yes – 27. No – 58. Total – 85.

Ystradgynlais: Yes – 6. No – 10. Total – 16.

On the question do ticket fares deter you from using the bus: Yes – 92, No - 481. Total – 573.

Do you think that the physical timetables and display screens at stops are of a satisfactory standard? Yes – 205. No – 234. Not sure – 134. Total – 573.

Are the bus shelters/stops in a satisfactory condition in your local area? Yes – 341. No – 227. Total – 568.

Do you currently use the buses in your local area? Yes – 419. No – 153. Total – 572.

What are the main reasons for your journey? Respondents were allowed to select more than one option. Work – 102. Education – 62. Shopping – 256. Healthcare – 153. Leisure -268. Other – 44. Total – 582.