Hi all. I've been in touch with some of the people who are standing for the same idea, including my local councillors. I have received some information, although it is not finalised as of yet.
Firstly, CSYM / IOACC have announced that they are exploring the possibility of diverting some services through the villages being served by other bus operators. This may include many villages across the B5109; between Bodffordd and Bodedern (as of last update, service 45 and 52 operate through Bodffordd, but this may mean that the 25 route will be introduced through Bodedern), and Llansadwrn and Llanddona (The 50 service already operates through Llansadwrn on Monday - Friday, 63 on Monday - Saturdays, and supposedly, 62 will continue serving Llansadwrn on Sundays per Arriva's amended timetable, but no other service operates through Llanddona throughout the week at the time of this update). Llanddaniel may be left with college day only service as of result of the announcement, due to the X43 / 543 being a college bus, this will leave Llanddaniel isolated during the weekends and college holidays. The nearest bus service operated by the council will be the 42 (Monday - Saturday), near Llanedwen, or the disastrously planned Arriva 4L/4A/4X service at Star or Gaerwen.
Of course, I have shared some of my ideas with my local councillor, and concerns. I understand from a commercial point of view that retaining the current frequency may not be feasible, therefore a reduced frequency such as a service every 4 hours may be needed to ensure the communities are not cut off, while reducing the financial implications of low passenger counts.
As far as my understanding goes, there is a flexible bus service operated by local authorities around Wales called "Fflecsi", operated under Transport For Wales, but under the control of the local authority. I believe that introducing a Fflecsi service that operates between Menai Bridge and Holyhead would mean that the communities may not be isolated, since it is operated by demand and is flexible. If a handful of small buses may be introduced to the island, it could mean serving a service across the entirety of B5109 via Beaumaris and Llanynghenedl, a service through villages such as Llanddaniel, Llangaffo, Newborough, Gwalchmai Uchaf, and Caergeiliog, and a more localised service at towns such as Amlwch, Beaumaris, and Rhosneigr. I would like to propose this as a solution that IOACC can use to ensure communties are not being cut off, and that resources are better spent as a demand service, rather than a timetabled service that have no guarantee of passenger count. To read more about Fflecsi, these links will help you learn more:
- https://www.fflecsi.wales/locations/blaenau-gwent/
- https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-wales/fflecsi
- https://www.fflecsi.wales/locations/conwy-valley/
- https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/bus/fflecsi/station-to-location
I understand this update may repeat information shared already, but to let you know that I am still hunting for any information that will of benefit for you all. If I see an updated statement from Arriva, by agreeing to receive e-mails regarding the petition, you will be notified from this (I will only be able to post every 24 hours, so I will also comment on the petition in order for you to learn about any changes).
Many thanks for your continued support!