Changes to bus services for villages to the south and west of Ruthin and the Ruthin Town Service will come into effect on Monday 15th August 2011.
Following the withdrawal of external funding for the successful Fflecsi bus, the County Council has needed to reduce the service offered.
However, the Council has given careful consideration to the needs of the travelling public and has, wherever possible, retained as many of the improvements first made in December 2008 and again in May 2009. The replacement service is still considerably better than that operating before December 2008.
From 15th August, there will be a bus arriving in Ruthin at 10.10am from Betws GG, Melin y Wig, Derwen, Clawddnewydd, Clocaenog, Cyffylliog and Bontuchel. This connects with services to Rhyl, Denbigh and Wrexham.
Buses return to Clawddnewydd, Clocaenog, Cyffylliog and Bontuchel at 11.30am and to all villages on demand at 1.30pm and 5.20pm. The 5.20pm connects with incoming services from Rhyl, Denbigh and Wrexham, starting the journey from Ysgol Brynhyfryd.
Buses to Llanelidan and Rhydymeudwy see minor changes but still retain one return trip on weekdays.
The Ruthin Town Service sees some minor changes, particularly for those boarding at Parc y Castell and Erw Goch, who transfer to the bus service to and from Llanelidan.
Evening services to villages will be withdrawn after last operation on 13th August at 8.11pm.
Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment said: “With the withdrawal of external funding, it has been impossible to keep these buses going in their current form.
“The new timetable does, however, give more journeys than was previously the case in 2008 and much of it still operates on demand. We feel that most existing passengers will still be able to travel at broadly the same times as now. The service will continue to operate with an easy access low floor bus”.
Gareth Davies, a Director at GHA Coaches, who operates the service said, “We understand the funding dilemma the Council faces. Between us, we have worked very closely to maintain the best possible service we can for residents. We are confident that the majority of passengers will still find the service of use”.
Timetables are available by phoning 01824 706886. The operator continues to be GHA Coaches who can be reached on 01824 707101.
