Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
On 1 August 2013, I introduced a new express bus service between Cardiff City Centre and Cardiff International Airport. This service operates every 20 minutes throughout the day.
At the same time, I said I would review the service after it had been operating for a number of months to identify any early requirements for operational change. I appointed Professor Stuart Cole of the University of South Wales to undertake this work.
The purpose of the review was to:
- Assess the effectiveness of the new bus service in meeting the Welsh Government objectives for a fast and frequent service running between Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Airport;
- Identify any changes be made to improve its effectiveness – this could include consideration of the frequency of service, stopping pattern, route, fares and ticketing options and marketing of the service; and
- Advise on how the long term sustainability of the service can be maximised.
I have now received the report from Professor Cole. The review identifies that the objectives for a fast and frequent service between the city centre and the airport have been met. The report also confirms that reliability and punctuality has been and remains good, and that the service has very quickly established a high profile and strong identity.
Professor Cole has made a number of short term and longer term recommendations on how we can improve the service. I am now considering the review’s findings and will update Members in due course.
A copy of the final report will be made available on the website.