BLAENAU Gwent and Monmouthshire will bear the brunt of cuts to bus operator Stagecoach’s South Wales services, it was revealed today.

Stagecoach the changes are the result of “drastic cuts” in investment by the Welsh Government.

John Gould, Managing Director of Stagecoach in South Wales, said: “Make no mistake – ultimate responsibility for the loss of bus services and jobs lies firmly at the door of the Welsh Government following years of cuts to bus investment.

He said the company "deeply regrets" the impact this will have on their customers and communities. "Instead of protecting and supporting bus travel, ministers’ misguided decisions have dealt a body blow to the country’s public transport network and wider economy. People across Wales have repeatedly warned the government about the consequences of their actions, but sadly they have refused to listen.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “This is extremely disappointing news. The new reimbursement rate for operators in the concessionary bus fare scheme was set following an independent review to ensure operators such as Stagecoach were “no better and no worse off” by taking part.

"We continue to work with the Confederation of Passenger Transport to deliver a sustainable bus industry in Wales.”

Monmouthshire will see services between Newport, Underwood and Chepstow being withdrawn. In Blaenau Gwent the 30 from Brynmawr to Cwmbran is also being axed.

The company is also consulting with trade union representatives over the planned closure of its Brynmawr depot from July. The depot currently employs 77 staff and operates around 30 vehicles.

SERVICE AXED:

Risca
Route X16 Risca to Cardiff

Rhymney Valley
Route 7 Blackwood - Ystrad Mynach – Pontypridd
Route C16 Caerphilly to Nelson
Route C17 Bargoed to Caerphilly
Route 538 Blackwood to Penybryn

Torfaen & Severnside
Route 30 Brynmawr to Cwmbran
Route 64 Newport to Underwood
Route 74 Newport to Chepstow
Route X74 Newport to Chepstow
Route 60 Newport to Usk

REDUCTIONS:

Blaenau Gwent
Route X15 - Brynmawr to Newport (from every 30mins to hourly) Newport
Route R1 - Risca to Newport (from every 20mins to 30mins)

Torfaen & Severnside
Route 23 - Newport to Varteg Hill (from every 30mins to hourly)