Coastal bus figures on the rise

Passenger numbers on Pembrokeshire’s coastal buses shot up by nearly 2,250 this year.
New figures show that 66,775 journeys were made on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Bus Service in 2015, compared to 64,532 in 2014.
The upsurge has been attributed partly to extra stops on the Celtic Coaster 403 service, which covers the St Davids Peninsula, and to the increasing popularity of the coastal buses with visitors and locals alike.
The six routes allow people to access coastal towns, villages and beaches, covering much of the coastline from Angle and Stackpole in the south to Newport and Poppit Sands in the north.
In a survey of passengers last year, most people (34%) said they used the coastal bus to go walking, while 15% of people said they used them to go to the beach, and 12% for a scenic tour.
The rise in passenger numbers this year comes despite some reductions in the service as a result of budgetary pressures.
“The coastal buses have become increasingly busy since they were launched more than 13 years ago,” said Cllr Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Transportation and National Park Authority Member.
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“Our feedback from passengers shows they find them the easiest way to travel to and from the coast path, easier than using a car to access coastal locations, and convenient. Environmental issues are also a factor.”
The service is run by Pembrokeshire County Council, and is funded by the County Council together with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
National Park Authority Chairman Cllr Mike James added: “The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail is one of the county’s most popular tourism attractions and the coastal buses help more people access this award-winning walking route, as well as the many beautiful beaches around the coast.
“The buses also link coastal communities together, lower carbon emissions and help reduce congestion.”
The six coastal buses are the Coastal Cruiser, Puffin Shuttle, Celtic Coaster, Strumble Shuttle, Poppit Rocket, and the 315 Dale to Haverfordwest service.
Recent passenger comments include: ‘So good to find such a good service. It has allowed us to do this part of the Wales coast path so easily. Drivers are great too – very helpful with stops and advice’.
… ‘These are great services for getting around and seeing the area and being able to leave the car at home’
…‘Fantastic service, reliable and good value. Great we can bring the dog. One of the reasons we choose to holiday here is that we can walk and then get a bus back’.
As well as the six branded coastal buses, there are two other local bus services which also provide access to part of the Pembrokeshire coast – the 349 service between Haverfordwest and Tenby and the 351 service between Tenby and Pendine.