24 Sep 2026
Edwards Coaches has been appointed to operate TaithCymru, Transport for Wales’s new coach service directly connecting north and south-west Wales.
The company will deliver the service in partnership with Llew Jones.
Launching on 25 October 2026, TaithCymru will operate nine return trips every day between Bangor and Carmarthen, calling at Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Bus Station and Aberaeron.
One late-night journey each day will extend beyond Bangor to Holyhead Railway Station and Port, improving connections with rail and ferry services for customers travelling to and from Anglesey, Ireland and across North Wales.
Edwards Coaches will be the lead operator, working with Llew Jones to provide a reliable, high-quality service on behalf of Transport for Wales.
Both operators are now recruiting drivers to help deliver the new service, creating opportunities for people to join their teams ahead of the October launch.
Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at Transport for Wales: “This appointment is an important step towards giving customers a new way to travel across Wales.
“TaithCymru will offer a direct, comfortable and convenient connection between north and south-west Wales, cutting journey times by up to an hour and making it easier to travel for work, education, healthcare, leisure or to visit family and friends.
“The daily late-night extension to Holyhead will also strengthen links with Anglesey, Ireland and the wider public transport network. Edwards Coaches and Llew Jones bring valuable experience and local knowledge, and we look forward to working with them to deliver a service customers can rely on.”
Jessica Thomas from Edwards Coaches said: “We’re proud to have been chosen as the lead operator for TaithCymru. This is an exciting new service that will make journeys across Wales quicker and simpler, and we’re pleased to be working with Llew Jones to bring it to life.
“We’re now recruiting drivers to join our team and help us provide the friendly, dependable service our customers expect.”
Steve Jones from Llew Jones said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Edwards Coaches to deliver TaithCymru. The service will create better links for the communities we serve and open up more sustainable travel options.
“We’re also looking for drivers to join us and play a key role in introducing this important new connection.”
TaithCymru supports the Welsh Government’s commitment to improve connections across Wales and the wider ambition for a more integrated public transport network, giving customers a practical and sustainable alternative for longer journeys.
Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday 6 October. More information about fares, booking and the new service will be available on our website shortly.
Notes to editors
- TaithCymru will launch on 25 October 2026.
- The service will operate nine times daily between Bangor Railway Station and Carmarthen Railway Station. One late-night journey each day will extend to Holyhead Railway Station and Port.
- Tickets will be available to buy online from Tuesday 6 October.
- Eight new coaches have been purchased to operate the service.
- The core route will call at Bangor Railway Station, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Bus Station and Aberaeron before reaching Carmarthen Railway Station.
- The full journey between Bangor and Carmarthen is expected to take approximately 5 hours. Timetables may be subject to change, and customers should check before travelling.
- Edwards Coaches and Llew Jones are recruiting drivers to support the introduction of TaithCymru.
- Offering a simpler way to travel across Wales, the direct service will be up to 60 minutes faster than the existing public transport services without the need to change vehicles or modes. It will make journeys easier for students, commuters, visitors and people travelling for healthcare, days out, to see family and friends, go to theatres, cinemas and restaurants.
- Customers will travel on comfortable, wheelchair-accessible coaches with dedicated luggage space. The timetable has been designed to connect with rail, local bus, TrawsCymru and other public transport services, making it easier to continue journeys across Wales.
