LibDems Celebrate Improved Rural Transport in Wales

Baroness Humphreys of Llanwrst spoke compellingly in the Rural Affairs debate about an issue of crucial importance to people in rural communities.

She explained how, with the cooperation of Conwy County Borough Council and Transport for Wales, it had been possible to provide a Flexible Bus Service and use concessionary Bus Passes on Trains in the Conwy Valley.  It has helped communities like Llanrwst and Betws y Coed to retain their independence and combatted the feeling of isolation for those who depend on public transport.

The scheme has been extended to 11 other areas of rural Wales, but Baroness Humphreys pressed the Minister for it to be rolled-out to all remote and isolated areas of the UK so they can benefit, and to make sure that the elderly are not isolated in their homes. 

This is what she said:

My Lords.  I will deal with two issues – rural transport and farming.

Like many who will speak in this debate today, I live in a rural area.

My hometown is a small market town in the Conwy Valley in North Wales and is four miles north of the tourist honeypot village of Betws y Coed.  Llanrwst is sometimes referred to as the ‘capital’ of the valley and is an ancient market town which grew up alongside the wool trade.  It has a proud history of independence, of clock makers, harp makers and Welsh poets.

Today, it is still the focal point for residents of villages and farms for a wide area, with people travelling-in for work and shopping needs - and for the farmers’ livestock market.

But, as with many rural areas, the Conwy Valley has experienced a decline in bus services in our more remote areas, and this led to those without their own transport having difficulty accessing the services they need - and it was leading to feelings of isolation, especially among the elderly.

Transport for Wales, working in conjunction with Conwy County Borough Council, ensured that elderly residents of Conwy County were able to use their Concessionary Bus Pass on the Conwy Valley rail line. 

In addition, in 2020, Transport for Wales and Conwy County Borough Council launched a ‘fflecsi’ service - a demand responsive service connecting Llanrwst and Betws y Coed with surrounding villages.

Instead of picking up and dropping off passengers at a bus stop fflecsi buses pick up and drop off within a service area. There’s often no fixed timetable, pick-ups are at passenger request and routes can be changed so that everyone can get where they want to go. Bookings can be made by phone or on a smartphone app. 

Over a 12-month period, 15,000 passengers used the service with 95% giving it a 5 star rating.

The demand responsive service was also extended to 11 different areas across Wales and has proved to be an excellent solution for those who live in remote and even isolated areas. 

I’m sure that similar systems exist in other parts of the UK but what plans do the government have to ensure that all areas of the UK are able to benefit from such schemes, to make sure that the elderly are not isolated in their homes? 

She went on to speak of the need for a Rescue Plan for Farmers.