03 Mar 2025
Transport for Wales is launching a public consultation on proposals for a potential new express coach service that would transform connectivity between North and South Wales.
The proposed service would run between Bangor and Carmarthen, cutting journey times by 90 minutes compared to current public transport options. The express-stop service would call at key town centres and railway stations along Wales' western coast, including Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, and Aberystwyth.
With an expected journey time of 4 hours 45 minutes, the service is being proposed to provide a faster, more convenient travel option for tourists and university students, while improving connections between communities along the western corridor.
Plans include running up to eight coaches per day, with modern on-board facilities suitable for longer journeys and integration with rail services for onward travel.
The public consultation period will run for four weeks from 3rd March, with an online 'have your say' page where people can learn about the proposals and share their views via a survey.
TfW will also host three in-person engagement events across the route to meet bus users and potential users to talk more about the service.
- Monday 10th March, 11am – 2pm, Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, Bangor University, Pontio, Deiniol Rd, Bangor LL57 2TQ
- Thursday 13th March, 12pm – 3pm, Aberystwyth Bus Station, Alexandra Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1LH
- Friday 14th March, 12pm – 3pm, Carmarthen Bus Station, Bay 1, Blue Street, Carmarthen, SA31 3LQ
Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at Transport for Wales said: "This proposed service represents an important step in improving sustainable transport options between North and South Wales. If you have any thoughts about the proposed service, we encourage everyone to take part in the online survey and help shape this significant transport link for Wales."
The online platform will be available at from 3rd March here North to South Wales Express Coach Proposal | Have your say by Transport for Wales
Notes to editors
- Current public transport journey time between Bangor and Carmarthen is approximately 6 hours 20 minutes
- The service would initially operate with diesel coaches before transitioning to electric vehicles.
- The proposal is currently at WelTAG stage 3, WelTAG is the Welsh Government guidance on planning and appraisal for transport. It must be used for any transport programme, policy or project seeking funding from Welsh Government. WelTAG sets out a structured approach to planning programmes and projects that starts with exploring the case for change and moves through a series of logical steps in developing a programme or project, delivering it and finally reviewing it afterwards. Those steps include identifying objectives, narrowing down options and then developing a business case for the chosen objective. It also involves monitoring and evaluating your programme or project afterwards.
- We are currently at stage 3 to consult with the public to understand their views. Please note, each stage requires funding, so future phases beyond the current are not guaranteed at this stage.
