|
Who operates the bus services?
Most of the bus services within Rhondda Cynon Taf are operated on a fully commercial basis by private operators, such as Bebb Travel, First Cymru, Islwyn, Shamrock Travel and Stagecoach in South Wales. They are free to introduce or withdraw whatever services they wish, provided that they give eight weeks notice to the Traffic Commissioner.
What about services that are not provided on a commercial basis?
Certain journeys cannot be supported sustained commercially. The Council gives financial assistance to provide additional journeys during the evenings and on Sundays, as well as to support certain daytime bus services and diversions, which are considered to be socially necessary.
Who do I contact when things go wrong on the buses?
The bus operators endeavour to operate their services to a high standard but occasionally things go wrong and in the first instance complaints should be directed to them.
If you are unhappy with their response an independent body has been established to review complaints. Please contact:
The Bus Appeals Body
PO Box 320
Portsmouth
PO5 3SD
The timetables and route details for all local bus services have to be registered with the Traffic Commissioner, who is responsible for ensuring their compliance. If you feel that a particularly service is not being operated as it should be, please contact:
The Traffic Commissioner
Welsh Traffic Area Office
38 George Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 1PL
Telephone: 0870 606 0440
How do I buy a bus ticket?
For adults, single and return fares are available - simply pay the driver as you board the bus.
Are child fares available on the buses?
For children aged between 5 and 16 years old, single and return fares are available on most bus services at two-thirds of the normal adult fare. Older children may be asked by the driver to provide proof of their age.
Are concessionary fares available for the over 60’s and people with disabilities on the buses?
For the over 60’s andpeople with disabilities, bus travel on most services throughout Wales is free on production of a concessionary travel pass.
How do I apply for a free bus pass?
Residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf, who are over 60, can apply for a pass through the network of local post offices or in person at the Council’s One for All Centres in Aberdare, Pontypridd or Treorchy. You will need to provide a coloured passport approved photograph, proof of your age and address. The pass will then be sent to your home address approximately 21 days later.
Residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf with disabilities applying for a bus pass should contact the Corporate Transport Unit on (01443) 494700 for further information as the procedure varies according to the nature of disability.
|
Can a companion also travel free on the buses?
Those residents who qualify for a free concessionary travel pass but who cannot travel by bus without needing someone else’s help should contact the Corporate Transport Unit on (01443) 494700 for a Disabled Bus Pass Eligibility Assessment Form. This form should be completed and certified by the Council’s Community Care Section before being returned to:
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Corporate Transport Unit
Sardis House
Sardis Road
Pontypridd
CF37 1DU
What other discount bus fares are available?
Most operators offer a range of other value weekly, monthly or even annual tickets that give regular passengers significant discounts on their normal fares.
The Network Rider gives a full days unlimited travel throughout South East Wales on all services operated by Bebb Travel #, Cardiff Bus +, Glyn Williams Travel, Islwyn Borough Transport, Newport Transport, Shamrock Travel and Stagecoach in South Wales. Buy the ticket on the first bus you board! Adults £5.40, Children £3.30 or Family £10.80 *.
# Family Net Riders are not accepted by Bebb Travel.
+ The Network Rider day ticket is not valid on the X91 Airbus Express
* Up to five persons. Parties must include at least one, but not more than two adults.
Bus operators participating in the daily Network Rider ticket participate in the Freedom of Wales Flexipass, which is a money saving ticket that offers unlimited travel on all mainline rail services in Wales plus most scheduled bus services. Ticket holders also receive a range of other benefits, including 'two for one' entry or discounted admission to historic sites and reduced price accommodation vouchers.
Who provides the bus shelters?
The Council provides bus shelters throughout the Rhondda and Cynon valleys. Those in the former Taff Ely area are provided by the local Community Councils. New shelters are being introduced with the increased use of glazing they are now are much more attractive and less obtrusive to the environment.
How do I report damage to a bus shelter?
The bus shelter is an important part of the overall journey package, as it is at the bus stop where the passenger first comes into contact with the service. With your help and support, they should remain in a clean and tidy condition. If any of them are damaged in any way or need cleaning, please contact the Corporate Transport Unit on (01443) 494700.
|