BUSINESSES in rural towns and villages across the Teifi Valley are enjoying brisk trade thanks to Bwcabus.
It is now much easier for people living in very rural communities to access local towns and villages to do their shopping; pay their bills and use other services.
Before Bwcabus, many people didn’t have a bus service or if they did, it was operating just once a week.
Now they can pre-book their journeys, six days a week, from 7am to 7pm, giving them the freedom to do as they please.
Businesses in Newcastle Emlyn have praised the service saying they have felt the benefit of Bwcabus bringing people into town.
Hilary McCarthy, who runs The Sandwich Shop in Newcastle Emlyn, said: “My customers are really appreciative of the service from Bwcabus. One customer said it is her lifeline to a normal life.”
Gaynor Jones, branch manager of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd, agreed: “It brings in customers to Newcastle Emlyn who find it difficult to travel because they don’t drive. It also has a communal side to it where people are brought together and look out for one another.”
Debbie Adams from Debbie’s Jewellers & Giftware said: “A number of our customers use the Bwcabus service. We fully support it.”
Andrew Thomas of Y Goleudy added: “A great service for rural areas. It helps bring people in from small villages into the town.”
And Martin Evans from Martin’s Decorating Centre said: “It is excellent for people who cannot drive, and perhaps live alone. The service is especially good at taking people shopping but it is also important in keeping people in contact, bringing people into towns to see family and friends and also for taking family and friends out to rural communities to people who are unable to leave their homes.”
Rose Khan, who runs Travel Aspiration and Moelfryn Caravan Park on the outskirts of Newcastle Emlyn, said a number of tourists have used Bwcabus as previous bus services did not serve the park. She also publicises the service to her customers.
“I think it’s a great service and is very important as some people have no other way of travelling,” she said.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Transport Cllr Hazel Evans said: “I am delighted to hear that businesses in rural areas are also benefiting from the service. Bwcabus is providing a valuable contribution to rural life, health and the local economy.”
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