Bus operator First Cymru will be implementing a revised timetable from Sunday 29 March in response to reduced demand and the government to advise against all but essential travel.
The changes include frequency and route alterations, as well as service cancellations. Selected services calling at hospitals and medical staff accommodation have been revised to help key workers travel to and from their place of work.
The service change is the second in as many weeks and comes after Government outlined strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus, including a requirement for people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes.
First Cymru has briefed local authorities as well as the local Traffic Commissioner about the changes. From Monday 30 March, Swansea services normally calling at the bus station will depart from St Mary’s Church and Caer Street following the closure of Swansea Bus Station.
Jane Reakes-Davies, Action Managing Director of First Cymru, said: “With much of Wales effectively ordered to stay at home for at least the next few weeks we have made the decision to move to reduced timetable and support those who still need to get to and from work and get out to shops and pharmacies whilst fulfilling our own role as vital key workers during this time of national crisis.
“Just a few weeks ago it was almost inconceivable that these restrictions would be in place, which only underlines what a challenging, dynamic and rapidly evolving situation Wales faces, and which First Cymru is monitoring and responding to day-by-day, hour-by-hour.
“Rest assured everything is being done to keep key workers mobile as the nation comes together to limit the spread of coronavirus.”
She added: “We also encourage all customers to switch to contactless payments and purchase tickets on our Mobile app where possible. We will still accept cash payments but appreciate customers’ support in helping to limit the spread of coronavirus and keep our drivers safe.”
“Regular customers can be assured we will endeavour to get more frequent services back up and running as soon as the Government decides it is safe to do so.
“Please bear with us as given the fast-changing nature of the situation it will be difficult to keep all our communication channels updated with the latest information.”
The service information in the First Bus app for example, may not reflect updated timetables immediately so customers are advised to refer in the first instance to the First Cymru website for the most up to date service information, travel advice and information about coronavirus. The company is working hard to reflect the latest service information across all its channels.
