Transport Reductions Could Have ‘Massive Impact’ On Local People

Concerns have been raised on the impact a reduction in buses services could have across the county.

Wrexham Independent Councillors have voiced their concerns following the alterations and cuts to Public Transport by Wrexham Council.

As part of Wrexham Council’s ongoing ‘reshaping of services’ in order to save £45m over the next five years, a total £500k has been withdrawn from the budget for bus services and transport.

This has resulted in bus services across Wrexham introducing new services from the 18th May. Some changes to Wrexham’s buses have already been implemented, including services to Oswestry and Chirk. Two of these services were rerouted last month to serve the Tesco store in Cefn Mawr.

Changes to some services have been minimal, including the Wrexham – Chester route, which will remain the same Monday – Saturdays. However on Sundays the service will run every 30 minutes instead of every 20.

The Services 3 & 4 Wrexham- Rhos- Penycae timetables will also remain unchanged, however the evening service will, in part, be operated commercially and as a result GHA will no longer be accepting other operator’s tickets on their evening journeys.

A number of rural services, including the Service 23A Wrexham- Coed y Glyn (GHA) and the Town Link (Pat’s Coaches/GHA) have been either withdrawn or revised.

Councillor David A Bithell Leader of the Wrexham Independent Group said: “The reality is that these alterations will have a massive impact on public transport network. We have already seen the demise of the rural taxi services which have been withdrawn and now a series of buses services cut or altered across the county. Despite our concerns these changes have been implemented.”

Since the changes have been announced, a number of people have contacted Wrexham.com regarding the issues that could be caused by the new services, with some concerned how they will impact their journeys to work. One person told Wrexham.com yesterday that they would be spending Bank Holiday at home due to the alterations of the buses in their area.

Cllr Pat Jeffares from Llan Rural said: “Once again Wrexham Council has deprived the residents of Garth of a public transport bus service which was I fought hard for. This is a big blow to local people to get to doctors and other local services. I have been in contact with Wrexham council today with my concerns on the lack of information.

Concerns have also been raised on the impact the transport reduction could have on attracting people to the area, with a number of people commenting on the increase of parking in the town centre.

If you have been affected by the changes to the Wrexham bus services, email [email protected] and let us know!