First Cymru has launched a new open-top bus in Porthcawl which will run throughout the summer.
The Porthcawl Cymru Coaster Service 99, in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council and Trecco Bay Holiday Park, will operate hourly during the daytime from Trecco Bay Holiday Park to Rest Bay, seven days a week during school holidays and Thursdays to Mondays during term time.
Jane Reakes-Davies, managing director for First Cymru, said: “The open-top route will give many people a new opportunity to have a great day out and experience the Porthcawl coastline from a different perspective, with beautiful views on the top deck. The services will also attract day visitors to the area and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, Cllr Charles Smith said: “This is an exciting new opportunity for local residents and visitors to see and enjoy the beautiful surrounding environment along the coast in Porthcawl.
“From Blue Flag beaches, Porthcawl Harbour and the town’s independent shops, cafes and restaurants to the Watersports Centre, ice cream parlours and the range of amusements and activities at Coney Beach and Trecco Bay, there’s so much to do for all ages.
“The new open top bus route also means that for the first time in several years, there will be a direct link from Trecco Bay through to Rest Bay.
“Concessionary passes are also accepted on the open top bus helping you enjoy the journey while not having to worry about finding a car parking space at your destination.
“In addition to the open top bus, we will see the launch of a new land train travelling along the seafront this summer which together with the Porthcawl cycle route is part of a wider plan to improve the connectivity in the area.”
Supported by the local authority with Visit Bridgend-branded internal information panels promoting some of the main points of interest along the route, visitors will also be able to pick up a Visit Bridgend credit-card sized folding map of Porthcawl detailing the routes and highlighting points of interest along the way for both the open top bus and the new land train as well as the local cycle route.
Tim Howell, General Manager, Trecco Bay Holiday Park, said: “When people stay with us, they want to make the most of the local area, exploring the beautiful coast and visiting nearby towns and villages. This partnership will make it much easier for holiday home owners and holidaymakers to enjoy the local area and enjoy everything that the coast, and the town of Porthcawl, have to offer.
He added: “This is a really big year for us at Trecco Bay. Parkdean Resorts has invested £3.6m in the park this year, with everything from new accommodation to exciting activities for all the family, and being able to unlock partnerships like this is another great thing to be able to offer our guests.”
Customers can hop on and off as many times as they want along the route with Cymru Coaster day tickets, which are £5 for adults, £3.30 for children and mytravelpass holders and £15 for a group ticket of up to five people. Tickets are available for purchase on the bus and concessionary passes are also accepted.
First Cymru has also launched an open to bus service in Swansea, taking customers from Swansea Bus Station to Bracelet Bay via the Marina, The Slip, Blackpill (Lido) and Oystermouth Square.
More information about Cymru Coaster fares, routes and timetables can be found on First Cymru’s website.