News
West Wales to benefit from TrawsCymru’s enhanced bus services
TRANSPORT FOR WALES has unveiled revamped TrawsCymru long-distance bus routes, marking a major boost for numerous communities in Wales, especially in Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas.
TrawsCymru’s T1C route linking Cardiff to Aberystwyth will soon see a new fare structure come November, under the stewardship of its new contractor, Mid Wales Travel. Additionally, the T2 service from Bangor to Aberystwyth, now run by Lloyds Coaches, will soon integrate with the X28 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth route. This integration aims to offer passengers an hourly service throughout the day and seamless connections to the T1 & T1C services.
The Wrexham to Barmouth T3 service will also witness pivotal changes. Contracted again to Lloyds Coaches, the route is set to debut the T3C service, which will connect picturesque villages, notably Llanuwchllyn near Bala, to Corwen. This new arrangement will enhance the T3’s efficiency, promising quicker journey times.
Meanwhile, the Brecon to Swansea T6 line, now in the hands of Adventure Travel, will temporarily run free of charge as its registration process is finalised. On the other hand, the T10 Bangor to Corwen line, managed by K&P Coaches, is set to increase its frequency next March, notably between Betws y Coed and Bangor. This change will ensure an hourly service and improved connections to Bangor and the captivating Eryri/Snowdonia region, including the notable Sherpa’r Wyddfa.
James Price, the CEO at Transport for Wales, expressed his delight over the advancements, hinting at the wider ambition for the TrawsCymru network. “While we’re gearing up to introduce new EV buses across the TrawsCymru network, there will be a brief phase where the older buses will be substituted with new Euro 6 diesel buses,” Price remarked. He emphasised the importance of the network in bridging Welsh communities and highlighted the recent surge in patronage on the T1 line as a testament to the network’s growing appeal.
For the denizens of Pembrokeshire and West Wales, these revamps signify not only improved connectivity but also a nod to the region’s importance in the broader Welsh transport network.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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