MONMOUTH MP David Davies is calling on local residents to register their interest in two new express bus routes which are being considered for the area.
Newport Bus is looking at potentially launching services from Chepstow to Cardiff and Monmouth to Newport and Mr Davies is keen to drum up as much public support as possible for the scheme.
During a visit on Monday to Newport Transport, home of Newport Bus, Mr Davies discussed plans to operate buses in parts of rural Monmouthshire currently hampered by poor transport links.
Targeted at commuters and shoppers, the proposals could see an express route run from Chepstow to Cardiff, calling at Magor and Newport. If there was demand, a similar service could operate from Monmouth to Newport, with stops at Raglan and Usk. Both buses would leave in the morning and return in the evening.
Mr Davies said: “This is obviously a great idea and one which I would dearly like to see come to fruition.
“Not withstanding the hard work of existing providers, the feedback I have received over the years is that this is a service people desperately need. There would be huge expense involved in trying to reopen railway lines such as the Wye Valley Railway between Chepstow and Monmouth, but I can see no reason why we shouldn’t try something similar with buses.
“Given the ever increasing cost of running a car, I’m in no doubt these routes would be extremely useful and well used. I would therefore urge people to register their interest by emailing me at david.davies.mp@parliament.ukand letting me know what sort of bus times they would find helpful. No-body is being asked to commit to anything, but I would be interested to gauge their thoughts.
“I am looking to gather as much information as possible so we can prove to Newport Bus there is a demand. The buses are brand new, high-tech and very comfortable and, all being well, the first of these routes could be up and running as early as December.
“In the meantime, I will be writing to the Chairman of Newport Transport to offer my full support for the proposals.”
Scott Pearson, Managing Director of Newport Transport, added: “We are still in the early stages of gauging whether there is interest for such services in the Monmouthshire area and feedback from members of the public is therefore very important.
“This consultation exercise will allow us to understand how much of a need there is and what level of support exists. When we have this information we can then begin to look at how we would go about introducing these services, which as a bus operator we would firmly support with the use of our modern and reliable express-style buses”.
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