Transport for Wales are set to introduce a demand responsive public transport (DRT) scheme in and around the Ruthin area.
Called fflecsi it is one of only a dozen such examples in Wales and joins pilots in Denbigh and Prestatyn within Denbighshire.
As part of Denbighshire Council’s climate emergency declaration, it will also be operated by the country’s first-ever zero emission fully battery-operated 16-seat minibus. This is following support from the Welsh government and the Welsh government energy service.
James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, said: “This innovative service is an important part of Transport for Wales and the Welsh government’s vision to reduce car usage and promote greener forms of travel, while also supporting the local economy and ensuring access to public transport. We have been pleased with the success of the fflecsi pilots across Wales and are delighted to be able to expand the service with a new electric vehicle.”
The transport scheme also aims to provide useful feedback on the suitability of such vehicles useful in other similar situations and locations across Wales.
Intending passengers will be able to book their DRT one hour ahead by either downloading and using the fflecsi app, on the fflecsi.wales website or by phoning a dedicated call centre. The app can then keep the customer informed of any changes in pick-up times.
Ruthin’s fflecsi will be available within the town of Ruthin itself. The vehicle is able to travel around most of Ruthin’s urban housing. This will introduce a bus service for many people in Ruthin for the first time.
Additonally, fflecsi will serve a number of villages and hamlets, notably Bontuchel, Clawddnewydd, Clocaenog, Cyffylliog, Derwen, Graigfechan, Llanelidan, Pentrecelyn and Rhydymeudwy.
TfW said where fflecsi has previously been introduced in rural areas, it has to date seen an increase in passenger demand over the previous timetabled bus services.
Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change with responsibility for Transport, added: “fflecsi is a new scheme to make bus services more accessible and useful for people to make everyday journeys. It gives passengers more control over how they get around by providing access to reliable and flexible travel, whilst also helping to build a greener Wales.”
