Posted on Friday 29th June 2012
A shuttle bus is improving links for patients and visitors to the new Cynon Valley hospital.
In a bid to improve links for patients and visitors of the newly-opened Ysbyty Cwm Cynon in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has been working with Cwm Taf Health Board to provide a dedicated shuttle bus to and from the hospital. This ensures patients and visitors are able to access the new hospital more easily.
The shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes to and from Mountain Ash train station and the Working Men’s Club bus stop in Oxford Street to the hospital entrance. Operated by Globe Coaches, it runs seven-days per week from 6am-9pm, though services are slightly reduced on weekends. Full details of this service are available on the Travelline Cymru enquiry service 0871 200 22 33 or www.traveline-cymru.info
This service is in addition to the popular Cefn Pennar to Penrhiwceiber bus route (no. 3), which has also been changed to incorporate stops at the new hospital.
Community Transport Operator, Accessible Caring Transport, which can be contacted on 01443 478013 also operates a community door-to-door service called ‘Range Rider’, specifically designed for those who find it difficult or impossible to get on or off buses. This includes people with mobility difficulties who may have trouble getting about or those who live miles from the nearest bus stop.
In addition to this service, Hafal also provides a transport service which runs past the new hospital and can be contacted on 01685 373322.
Wayne Lewis, Head of Transport at Cwm Taf Health Board, said: “After listening to the concerns of our residents we are very pleased to be able to announce these new and improved transport services for accessing the new hospital.
“We hope these new services provide our residents with the assurance that both the Council and the Health Board are working closely to improve and develop integrated transport solutions that address current and future transport requirements and support the re-design and improvement of health and social care services and facilities.”
The council has carried out various works in the area prior to the opening of the hospital to improve access for motorists and walkers alike, including the opening of a new cycling and walking link between Mountain Ash Town Centre, the new hospital and Mountain Ash Comprehensive School; the A4059 Mountain Ash Capacity Improvement works which included improvements to the existing traffic lights and the installation of a new sewer along the A4059 which will combat the flooding issues experienced during heavy rain fall on the A4059 and in the parking area at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Frontline Services, said: “These changes demonstrate both the Council’s and Health Board’s commitment in listening to users to help provide the services they need. The addition of the shuttle bus and amended timetable in Cefn Pennar to Penrhiwceiber will not only improve the existing service but will assist both patients and their visitors in accessing the new Cynon Valley hospital.
“The majority of bus services are run by commercial operators but the council takes action in cases such as this to act as a facilitator to help its partners to ensure that the public can access the services available.
“We are committed to playing our full role to improve the provision of public transport and continue to work with the various bus operators and our partners to ensure that the services are meeting the needs of residents throughout the county borough.”