For up to date Covid 19 emergency timetables and information;
Due to the continually changing nature of the current situation in response to Covid 19, there are significant changes to bus and rail services.
From 20 December you should only use public transport in Wales if your journey is essential. Only use public transport for essential purposes which includes travel to work, education, shopping, medical needs or to provide essential care. Please think carefully about the journeys you make and travelling to areas where coronavirus rates are high.
In line with Welsh Government’s travel advice it is now mandatory to wear a 3 layer face covering when using all public transport including taxis within Wales, unless you are aged under 12 or have certain medical conditions. A full list of exemptions can be found at https://gov.wales/requirement-wear-face-covering-public-transport-wales Whilst face coverings may help provide some control of the virus in specific circumstances, they do not replace the need for physical distancing, washing your hands or using hand sanitiser regularly.
If you need to travel by public transport, remember to stay 2 metres apart and try to travel at off-peak times (between 0900 – 1600). Please be aware, due to physical distancing measures there is reduced capacity on public transport and travel may take longer than normal so please allow extra time for your journey, especially if you need to make connections.
Traveline Cymru are hard at work to ensure these changes are updated on their system as soon as possible. For details of all the latest changes to services across Wales, please check Traveline Cymru
If you require transport and are unable to use the local bus services in Rhondda Cynon Taf, then why not contact your local Community Transport Operator and ask if they can help you?
Community Transport is primarily a door-to-door service, specifically designed for people who find it very difficult or impossible to get on or off ordinary buses or even to get to the nearest bus stop.
With Community Transport, you simply book your journey in advance, the bus comes to your door and takes you to wherever you want to go in Rhondda Cynon Taf, or to certain other places elsewhere.
You can book journeys for shopping, medical appointments, social visits or any other reason but please give as much notice as you can before your journey.
When booking, you will be asked for your name and address as well as some other details about your transport needs. Membership details and fares vary between Community Transport operators but you can travel individually or as part of a group.
All Community Transport buses are specially equipped to help you, with low entrance steps and lifts to make getting on or off easier. If you use a wheelchair, the driver and passenger assistant will secure your wheelchair safely in the bus or, if you like, help you to your seat.
All Community Transport staff are trained in passenger care procedures and fully aware of the needs of the elderly and disabled. The staff are very friendly and will always try to help wherever they can.
Find out more about the service from any one of the three Community Transport providers below. You can also contact them if you wish to help others and become a volunteer driver, or raise funds.
Accessible Caring Transport: 01443 478013
Residents can now enjoy an improved service, thanks to community transport provider Accessible Caring Transport (ACT).
The new flexible, door-to-door bus service called RangeRider has been developed following feedback from ACT’s users, to allow them to attend Prince Charles Hospital for clinics and visiting.
It is a door-to-door service specifically designed for those who find it difficult or impossible to get on or off buses. This includes people with mobility difficulties that may have trouble getting about or those who live miles from the nearest bus stop.
The service operates between 0700 - 1900 Mondays to Fridays and between 0930 - 1700 on Saturdays throughout the Cynon Valley and to places immediately outside this area such as Prince Charles Hospital, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd and Porth town centres.
Concessionary bus pass holders can travel free of charge whilst other passengers will be charged a flat fare of £3.75 for adults and £1.50 for children for each journey they make within the area. Journeys must be booked by no later than 12 noon on the day before travelling.
TraVol Community Transport: 01443 486872
Village & Valleys Community Transport: 01443 858462