Welsh Government continue support for No. 5 Wrexham-Llangollen bus service

The Welsh Government will continue to fund the important number 5 bus service Wrexham to Llangollen in 2019-20, Transport Minister Ken Skates has announced.

It means this regular service will continue for the next year and carry on taking in stops including in Johnstown and Ruabon Railway Station.

The Welsh Government will now work with Denbighshire County Council to agree the necessary arrangements.

Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “An effective and reliable bus service is for many communities a lifeline and I have heard previously how beneficial the number 5 is to local people.

“I am pleased the Welsh Government will continue to support this service which is vital in connecting communities on this route from Wrexham to Llangollen.

“We know bus services provide important access to education, training, work and healthcare and for people to quite simply enjoy a day out. I hope today’s announcement brings comfort to those who use it knowing they can continue to benefit from this service.

“As a government, we are absolutely committed to ensuring a healthy future for public transport. Local authorities have a vital role to play in delivering a sustainable bus service for the benefit of local communities and we will continue to work closely with them and the bus industry to ensure passengers’ interests and needs come first.

Managing Director of Arriva Buses Wales, Michael Morton said: “The continuation of funding for this front line service guarantees that we can maintain the frequency on Sapphire Service 5 from Wrexham to Llangollen. Arriva Buses Wales is pleased to see that the Welsh Government sees this as an important transport link in this very beautiful part of North Wales that will continue to provide local people and tourists with an upmarket Sapphire standard bus service.

Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, Councillor Brian Jones said: “We are delighted that the news of a second year’s additional funding for bus service improvements in Llangollen.

“This funding ensures that the town and its residents and many visitors will continue to benefit from an improved bus service than would otherwise be the case and this is meeting demand for public transport services locally in the Llangollen area. On weekdays, the funding allows the service to continue broadly every half hour during the day.

“The council also subsidises the evening bus service and I’m sure these developments will receive a positive response in the local community.”