Penarth residents criticise lack of publicity for new bus route

A trial bus service between Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan which could be scrapped from lack of use has been criticised for its poor publicity. Treasurer of Plaid Cymru, Alwyn Evans, has written an open letter to the Penarth Times criticising the promotion of the service, which works by a hail-and-ride method. Speaking about the letter, Evans said: "The council printed off some timetables for the launch, but we needed posters, bus stops and a sign by the Pont Y Werin bridge – even a bit of information in the press. "Nobody hails a bus in the city – so it needed to be made clear because people expect to see and use bus stops. I want to see the service succeed as it showed great initiative by Penarth Town Council and it's a big opportunity, but the implementation has been slip shod." A six month trail of the P1 circular bus service started on Friday 9 July – launching on the Esplanade on Penarth Pier in conjunction with Penarth festival. The concept came from a partnership between Penarth Town Council and Vale of Glamorgan council using St David's Bus company. The 45-minute daytime service goes through Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Penarth town centre, Penarth Pier and Esplanade and Penarth Marina where it connects with the Cardiff Waterbus, the barrage tourist land train and the newly constructed Pont y Werin. Passengers should hail down the bus and tickets cost £1.50 for an adult single. In his letter Evans cites the lack of timetables and stops as poor publicity. He writes: "At the barrage, where the bus waits for ten minutes, there is no bus stop. So, the bus has to either circle the car park, or stop on double yellow lines by the Custom House. Also there is no poster advertising the service at the Barrage, no bus-stop or other publicity, let alone a timetable." See the full letter in the Penarth Times tomorrow. Originally 3,000 timetables were printed to be distributed, but these soon ran out. Penarth Town Council deputy clerk Cery Hutchins said the town council are doing all they can to increase publicity - and 7,000 copies of the new timetable will be carried in the Penarth Times tomorrow as well as posters put up in local outlets. He said: "We had wanted a circular bus route for a long time - local trade is down and it will help businesses. "It was launched with the Vale council but there's been a lapse in the publicity. "I would like the Vale to have signs put up at the bus stops which the P1 passes on its route - little flags which alert people as well as the timetable. We need people to be aware of the service because if it doesn't succeed now it may not be taken again." Responding to the complaints, Vale councillor Jeff James, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "The council has actively marketed the new P1 Penarth Circular service, producing printed materials such as leaflets and posters in addition to publicity in the local press and on the council's website. "If the service is well used by residents and tourists then there is a possibility that it will be able to continue beyond January 2011. However, if it is not used then we must consider its future. I would therefore urge residents and visitors to Penarth to use the service to explore the excellent facilities and attractions that the town has to offer." Penarth councillor Sophie Williams said: "One of the best bits about the circular route is that you can flag it down at any point on its journey. "I have to say the feedback which we have received has been very positive which is great news. I agree though we must make sure that people continue to use the service so that it continues beyond the trial." Mayor of Penarth, councillor Paul Church added: "I am delighted that Penarth Town Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council have worked together to provide this much-needed service. "I am sure it will boost the number of visitors to the town and make it more accessible for people coming from the Cardiff Bay area. Penarth has a wide range of excellent shops in the Victorian Town Centre, the superb pier and promenade and beautiful parks which can make a pleasant day out for all." Cardiff Council said their officers will be in discussions with Vale of Glamorgan council about the service this week. You can also download a copy of the timetable here . Did you know about the service? What do you think? Add your comments below.