A NEW study has confirmed a decline in bus services across the UK in recent years.

Conducted by environmental organisation Friends of the Earth, a study has confirmed a decline in bus services across all operators which heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In Wrexham, statistics show bus services have declined by just under half over the past decade.

Between 2010 and 2023, the number of bus trips per hour decreased from 123 to 66. 

In 2006, the number of bus trips per hour was 119. 

Across Wales, services dropped from 123 in 2006 to 54 in 2023 with more than half of all services being stopped across the country.

Councillor David A Bithell, deputy leader of Wrexham Council with responsibility for Strategic Transport, said: “Bus services across the region and Wrexham have declined over a number of years including the decline of passenger numbers, decisions were made a few years ago to cut funding to bus services.

"I am pleased however the council have invested in public transport last year (£200,000) in the budget process and recently introduced a number of evening services which so far is proving very positive in terms of passenger numbers.

"We continue to work with Transport for Wales and Welsh Government to improve and encourage people to use public transport post pandemic.”

In Flintshire, the study revealed there were 143 bus trips per hour in 2006/08, 137 in 2010 and a decline to only 60 services in 2023. The council have addressed the concern and claim the pandemic is much to blame as any cuts to transport funding.

Anthony Stanford, Flintshire County Council’s Transport Manager, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in passengers for all bus companies across Wales, alongside a change in work patterns with more people now working from home.

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“In Wales, the Bus Emergency Scheme (BES) was created to help keep bus companies afloat during the pandemic, in order to ensure that vital commercial services kept running.

"Despite the financial support, bus operators are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the commercial viability of some bus services due to a decline in passengers.

“However, with the support of Welsh Government funding, we are committed to increasing bus patronage through the improvement of services and integration with other sustainable modes of transport, therefore providing a viable alternative to car journeys where possible.”