A new bookable bus service will launch in Rhayader and surrounding areas next week, offering passengers a flexible way to travel across rural Powys.

Transport for Wales (TfW), working with Powys County Council, will introduce its fflecsi service on Monday, November 2.

The service will cover Rhayader, Llanidloes, Crossgates, Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells and the Elan Valley, connecting residents and visitors with shops, healthcare, employment, education and tourist attractions.

Passengers will also be able to connect with other public transport services, including the X75 bus to Aberystwyth, the T4 to Merthyr Tydfil and the Heart of Wales railway line.

Unlike a conventional bus service, fflecsi does not operate on fixed routes. Instead, passengers book journeys through an app or by telephone, with pick-ups arranged at safe, nearby locations within the operating zone.

The service is being delivered by TfW and Powys County Council in partnership with Simon Price Cars.

Before the launch, representatives will hold a series of events to explain how the service works and help people download the app and make bookings.

The first session will take place at The Groe in Builth Wells from 9:45am to 11:30am on Thursday, October 29.

A second event will be held in Newbridge-on-Wye, near the Golden Lion and Village Post Office, from 1pm to 2:45pm that day.

Rhayader Leisure Centre will host the final session from 10am to 2:30pm on Friday, October 30.

‘Greater flexibility’

Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper said good public transport played a vital role in connecting rural communities and helping people access work, education, healthcare and leisure.

He said the new service would provide greater flexibility for people travelling around the Rhayader area.

“Services like fflecsi help tackle isolation, improve access to essential services and offer a practical alternative to private car use,” he added.

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at Transport for Wales, said:"We're pleased to be introducing fflecsi to Rhayader and the surrounding communities, providing local people with a more flexible and convenient way to travel.

"The new service will help connect people to work, education, healthcare and other essential services, while also improving access to the wider public transport network.

“Fflecsi has already proven successful in communities across Wales, and we're looking forward to working with local partners to provide a service that meets the needs of residents and helps make public transport a more attractive option for everyday journeys."

‘An exciting new travel option’

Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys at Powys County Council, said: "Good local public transport is essential for supporting vibrant and sustainable rural communities.

"The introduction of fflecsi in the Rhayader area provides an exciting new travel option that will complement the wider transport network while helping people make more sustainable journeys.

"We're pleased to see this investment in rural Powys and look forward to the benefits it will bring for local communities and visitors to the area."

Journeys can be booked through the fflecsi app or by calling 0300 234 0300

For more information, visit: fflecsi.wales