2012 Service Changes and Relaunch
In autumn 2010 the Welsh Assembly Government ran a consultation on improvements to the TrawsCambria network. In 2011, a programme of improvements for services X40 and 704/T4 was announced.
Under these plans services X40 and T4, and the network as a whole, were to be re-launched under the new TrawsCymru brand. Service X40 was to be re-numbered TC1 and T4 would have become TC4. During 2012, these two routes were to receive six new buses each, equipped with coach style seating, greater luggage space, real time information and WiFi. A few of the new vehicles (which have turned out to be further Optare Tempos) have now been introduced on service T4.
The plans for re-numbering T4 appear to have been dropped, and the route will once again be extended further south, this time to Cardiff. This will happen on 1 March 2012, when two-hourly through services between Newtown and Cardiff, dovetailing with the existing X4 service between Merthyr and Cardiff, are introduced. The six additional WAG-funded Optare Tempos with leather seats, free WiFi and tables will operate alongside the existing vehicles. This will probably be the point when the route officially moves from the TrawsCambria network into the new TrawsCymru one.
From 26 February 2012, Arriva Cymru ceased operation of their section of the TrawsCambria 550 service. Instead they operate their own service along the route on a commercial basis, under the brand 'CymruExpress' with the service number 50. From August 2012, new Wright Gemini double-deckers will operate the service.
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