Local News for the Vale

Bus service secured for Barry interchange

By Gareth Joy | Updated Friday 17th November 2023 6:11pm |  Follow us @broradio

A bus service has finally been secured for the Barry transport interchange after months of uncertainty.

There's been criticism over the lack of available services at the new £3 million hub at Barry Docks, which also includes a taxi rank and bike shelters.

Now, Adventure Travel has stepped in to serve the interchange, after signing an agreement with Vale Council.

From Monday 8th January, the B3 service from Cadoxton to Barry will stop at the location, situated near the railway station.

But to ensure it runs on time and to improve reliability, the council-funded service will cut the number of daily journeys from eight to seven.

Cllr Bronwen Brooks, cabinet member for sustainable places said: "At a difficult time for bus operators, due to declining usage and reducing Welsh Government funding, I'm pleased that we are able to provide this service from the Barry Dock Transport Interchange."

"The changes made to the timetable will increase service reliability, part of wider council work to improve this aspect of bus provision."

"We know a large number of residents depend on bus transport to travel around the county, which is why we want to provide a more useful, effective service."

"This should be of particular benefit to residents in Gibbonsdown, western and central Barry, who will have a direct bus service into the interchange and is the latest development regarding that facility, with work continuing to further add to the services on offer.”

Bus companies across Wales have been struggling due to reduced funding and a slower-than-expected recovery in passenger numbers following the pandemic.

Many services have been changed or cut altogether - and in September, Cardiff Bus cut a number of routes and rolled out revised timetables to some of its services covering the Vale.

The transport interchange, near the Docks Office building, is intended as a meeting point for train, bus, cycle and taxi services along with park and ride facilities nearby.

But last month, the leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Vale Council, Cllr Ian Johnson, described the project as a "waste of public money" without any buses servicing it.

When asked which buses would be using the facility last April, the council said Adventure Travel's number 88 service had been earmarked to serve the interchange and that - at the time - Cardiff Bus was considering which of its Barry services could operate there.

Share this story:

More Local News:

New Vale MP plans "to put the voice of our community front and centre"
Kanishka Narayan was elected as MP in the early hours of Friday morning

Welsh Conservative Leader says its been a challenging campaign for his party
Andrew RT Davies spoke to Bro Radio ahead of polls closing on Thursday

Vale of Glamorgan 'likely Labour gain', Sky/YouGov projects
YouGov's MRP suggests Labour are on course for the biggest Commons majority since 1832

Postal votes hit by delays
Cardiff and Vale councils say around 200 Penarth residents are affected