A BUS service from Risca to Newport has been saved after the local authority intervened.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has secured a new contract for the R1 evening bus service transporting passengers from Risca to Newport.

The council’s Transport Team successfully negotiated a new contract to save the evening bus service after Newport council withdrew their half of the funding.

The new contract for the R1 evening service Risca to Ty Sign to Newport will change slightly from June 29, with all evening journeys departing Risca from at 6.10pm and Newport from 6.40pm being provided by NAT Group.

Return tickets issued earlier in the day by Stagecoach in south Wales will be accepted for travel. The 5.30pm journey from Newport and the 11.09pm journey from Risca will be withdrawn from operation on Saturday, June 27.

The R2 service from Risca-Fernlea-Ty Sign-Morrisons-Mount Pleasant-Newport will also be seeing some changes. The 5.10pm journey from Newport will depart at 5.15pm and operate five minutes later throughout and similarly the 6.10pm journey from Newport will depart at 6.05pm and operate five minutes earlier throughout with this service terminating at Morrisons, Rogerstone.

The 6.10pm and 7.10pm journeys from Risca are withdrawn but replaced by two journeys that will operate between Rogerstone Morrisons and Newport. These will depart Morrisons Rogerstone at 6.35pm and 7.35pm.

Cllr Tom Williams, cabinet member for highways, transport and engineering, said: “We recognise that bus services provide vital links for residents and the Transport Team work tirelessly to ensure that residents are served in all areas of the county despite the tough financial times we are facing.”