HC Deb 21 January 1981 vol 997 c183W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the volume of passengers for each month for the Trawscambria service on the route between Liverpool and Newton has been; and if this service is to be discontinued in 1981.

Mr. Michael Roberts

September 1980, 312; October 444; November 373 and December 525. On 31 December 1980 the experiment on this route was discontinued.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the volume of passengers for each month for the Trawscambria route between Bangor and Cardiff via Aberystwyth in 1980.

Mr. Michael Roberts

There was no direct route of this kind. For the period when route 701 connected via Aberystwyth with the Bangor service at Machynlleth, the passengers numbered; September 1980—473, October 1,032, November 886, December 718.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the volume of passengers for the grant-aided Trawscambria service in 1980.

Mr. Michael Roberts

35,300—estimated—on all services.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost of the tintronic ticket machine bought by his office and loaned to the operators in order to improve he Trawscambria service.

Mr. Michael Roberts

The total purchase price of all monitoring equipment was approximately £23,500.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the amount of money made available for the Trawscambria service for 1980 and for 1981, respectively.

Mr. Michael Roberts

Any losses incurred by the National Bus Company in the experiments will be underwritten by the Department, subject to a ceiling of £15,000. The accounts have yet to be finally agreed. On 31 December 1980 the experiment ended and no further financial provision has been made.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the volume of passengers for the Trawscambria service on the direct route between Bangor and Cardiff for the year 1980.

Mr. Michael Roberts

19,730.