New Adventure Travel takes over Cardiff Airport bus route

Coach hire company New Adventure Travel is to take over the Cardiff Airport shuttle service launched a year ago.

It takes over the T9 service on 17 August after bus operator First Cymru said it would stop running it.

The service, which figures showed averaged fewer than four passengers per journey, will run every 20 minutes in the summer and every 30 in the winter.

New Adventure Travel managing director Kevyn Jones said the company is delighted to be awarded the contract.

He added: "We look forward to working with the Welsh government to make it a very successful service."

Vale of Glamorgan council's cabinet member for transportation Lis Burnett said: "Having the infrastructure in place, such as the express service and the Rhoose railway station shuttle bus, will encourage more airlines to invest in and help the airport to grow.

"This can only be a good thing for the Vale of Glamorgan and Wales."

First Cymru previously said it had de-registered the T9 service as its contract reaches the end of its agreed term on 16 August but added that it was "normal procedure".

Vale of Glamorgan re-tendered the contract on behalf of the Welsh government to keep the service running without a break.

The service runs to the airport from Cardiff Bay via the city centre, Culverhouse Cross and Barry.

A review found the shuttle had achieved all that was expected of it but recommended changes.