A new fleet of new electric buses will come into service in Gwynedd in February. They will be the first electric buses on Gwynedd’s public transport network, TrawsCymru, running between Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The investment has been confirmed by the Welsh Government’s transport body, Transport for Wales, and Gwynedd Council.
The vehicles and charging facilities have been provided with financial support from the Welsh Government and will be operated by Llew Jones International.
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Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council’s environment member, said: “It is excellent news that the first electric buses are being introduced on our public transport network here in Gwynedd. The new T22 service will offer more travel options along the Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog route and on to Caernarfon, with significant environmental benefits.
“This is the culmination of a lot of close collaboration between Gwynedd Council and Transport for Wales, with financial support from the Welsh Government as well, and is an example of what can be achieved with working together despite the difficult financial climate.”
The T22 service will operate hourly between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Porthmadog, and every two hours between Porthmadog and Caernarfon. In addition, the TrawsCymru T2 service will continue to operate between Aberystwyth and Bangor passing Porthmadog and Caernarfon.
Gethin George, programme manager for TrawsCymru at Transport for Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Cyngor Gwynedd to introduce this additional route to the TrawsCymru network providing improved access to public transport and helping deliver our vision for better integration between bus and other modes of transport and encouraging people to leave their cars behind and take the bus whenever possible.”
Llew Jones International becomes the first indigenous SME public bus operator in Wales. Its managing director Steve Jones said: “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the public transportation sector.
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“Being awarded the T22 Traws Cymru electric bus contract not only marks a significant achievement for our company, but also underscores our dedication to providing eco-friendly and efficient transport solutions for the communities we serve.”
The electric buses will offer quieter journeys for passengers, with wireless charging facilities USB ports at every seat and next stop displays and announcements.