Bus routes are axed

Five rural bus routes have been axed by Powys County Council because of high operating costs, it was announced today. The routes will stop operating from September 1.The council said the demand-responsive transport networks for Knighton, Llanidloes, Llanwyddyn, Machynlleth and Rhayader are being withdrawn because of the high operating costs involved in keeping them active.

Councillor Gwilym Evans, who is board member responsible for Transport Coordination, said the council would be holding talks with local community transport groups to help minimise the impact.

He said: “It is regrettable that we have had to withdraw these routes, but our support for these services ranges up to £64 per passenger journey.

“Rural transport costs will always be high and while it is reasonable to expect a higher cost per passenger journey in deeply rural parts of Powys, the level of subsidies these routes receive is not sustainable.

“We will try to provide a level of service for the routes affected and will be holding talks with local community transport organisations to minimise the impact of these route withdrawals.”

The route being stopped in Knighton goes through Presteigne, Kington and Llangunllo. In Rhayader, the service coming to an end goes through the Elan Valley, Nantmel, Crossgates and Llandrindod Wells.

In Llanidloes, the service to Newtown via Aberhafesp, Rhayader and Llangurig will come to an end, while the service from Machynlleth to Dolgellau, Aberhosen and Abercegir, will also be stopped.