Bus routes restored for Pen‑y‑Fai, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam after deal struck

The changes come into force from Monday 23 February, with the long‑running Number 71 service once again diverting through Pen‑y‑Fai on its hourly run between Bridgend and Cymmer via Maesteg.

The diversion will operate Monday to Saturday between roughly 7.44am and 6.17pm. But the tweak means the 71 will no longer head directly to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet or the Princess of Wales Hospital — a move the council says is covered by the Number 70, which continues to serve both stops on its usual route.

Passengers using day tickets, concessionary passes or Tap On Tap Off will be able to switch between services at Bridgend Bus Station without paying extra. Those travelling on single or return tickets may need to stay on the bus as it changes service number, or pay an additional fare to continue.

Meanwhile, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam will regain a regular service under a new 63B route, running as part of the existing Bridgend–Porthcawl Number 63. The 63B will operate hourly between 9.41am and 3.39pm, Monday to Saturday. The council says more journeys could be added “subject to funding”.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said the return of the routes was “very welcome news” for communities that rely on buses for work, healthcare and daily travel.

She added that the outcome “reflects the importance of partnership working”, praising residents, ward members, council officers and First Cymru for their “continued engagement”.

The new timetables will be published by First Cymru closer to the launch date.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Anneka Rice teams up with bus company to re‑discover the joy of concessionary bus travel
TV presenter Anneka Rice joins a local operator to champion the benefits of free bus travel.

UK’s longest‑serving bus driver gets royal recognition
A veteran driver with more than six decades behind the wheel receives a prestigious honour.

Major changes proposed to bus network ahead of 2027 reforms
Councils outline sweeping proposals that could reshape local bus services across Wales.

Bridgend to Aberdare bus connection saved in last‑minute funding deal
A key cross‑valley link is secured after emergency funding is agreed.

Bus service to return through Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool

Hourly service planned

The new Service 63B, operated by First Cymru Buses Ltd, will run as part of the council’s supported bus routes contract. One journey per hour will be diverted through Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool between approximately 9.41am and 3.39pm, Monday to Saturday.

The route was last served by a public bus in August 2019. Funding for the reinstated service has been secured through the Welsh Government’s Bus Network Grant, meaning there will be no additional cost to the council.

Final arrangements underway

Work is now taking place to finalise arrangements with First Cymru, with a start date to be confirmed once the operator has completed the statutory registration process with the Traffic Commissioner.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said:

“I’d like to thank everyone who worked together to make this possible, including council staff, residents, ward members, First Cymru and Welsh Government.

Reliable and accessible public transport is vital for connecting local people with jobs, education, healthcare, local shops and other parts of everyday life. We look forward to providing further updates very soon in relation to the start date of this new service.”

What it means for residents

The reinstatement of the service will reconnect Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool with key destinations in Bridgend and Porthcawl, improving access to jobs, education, healthcare and shopping.

The council says the move reflects its commitment to supporting sustainable transport and tackling isolation in rural communities.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

First Cymru bus strikes postponed after new pay offer
Unite members suspend the first wave of strike action to ballot on a revised pay deal.

Anneka Rice teams up with bus company to re‑discover the joy of concessionary bus travel
TV presenter joins campaign encouraging older passengers to make the most of free bus passes.

£1.6m funding helps reinstate evening bus services for the Llynfi Valley
Welsh Government support restores late‑night connections for communities in the valley.

Major changes proposed to bus network ahead of 2027 reforms
Transport for Wales sets out plans for a new franchising model and simplified services.

#63B #Bridgend #BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #Bus #BusNetworkGrant #busServices #CllrNeeloFarr #FirstCymru #KenfigPool #Mawdlam #Porthcawl

#Spring was in the air at #KenfigPool today with a pair of #GreatCrestedGrebe starting their #CourtshipDisplay.

You can see more of my photos at:
https://aimlesswelshwanderer.picfair.com

##Wales #Cymru #Birds #Nature #Wildlife #BirdPhotography

A bit of #BirdPhotography, all #Ducks, from yesterday's visit to #KenfigPool. Unfortunately, not the sharpest of shots as they were mostly at some distance and have been heavily cropped. They are, clockwise from top left;

- #Pochard
- #Wigeon
- #TuftedDucks and #LongTailedDuck
- #Teal and #NorthernShoveler

You can see more of my photos at:
https://aimlesswelshwanderer.picfair.com

#Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #Bird #Birds #Duck

Spent some time yesterday at the very soggy #KenfigPool in #KenfigNationalNatureReserve. Love this place and it sums up South #Wales for me, where the beauty of #Nature bumps up against the brutal (and beautiful in it's own way) man made industrial landscape of #TATASteel in #PortTalbot

You can see more of my photos at:
https://aimlesswelshwanderer.picfair.com

#Cymru #Landscape #LandscapePhotography

Been taking advantage of the great weather to visit some of my favourite local spots. Yesterday was a walk down #CwmNash and along the beach to #NashPoint, before returning via the cliff top. Today was a #wander through #Kenfig #NatureReserve to #SkerBeach and back around #KenfigPool

#Cymru #Wales #Landscape #Seascape

Today's aimless wander took in #KenfigNationalNatureReserve, #KenfigPool and #SkerBeach ..... considering we've had no rain for about a month, it was still pretty soggy underfoot in places

#Cymru #Wales #Panorama #Lanscape #Seascape

Today's #DailyPhoto is another one from my visit to #PwllCynffig / #KenfigPool on Monday. This one shows the juxtaposition of the natural beauty of Kenfig Nature Reserve with the heavy industry of close by #PortTalbot

#Landscape #Cymru #Wales

Wet and miserable in South #Wales today, so another #DailyPhoto from yesterday's visit to #PwllCynffig / #KenfigPool. A serene #Coot

#Cymru #Birds #BirdPhotography

Beautiful, dramatic skies at #PwllCynffig / #KenfigPool today.

#DailyPhoto #Landscape #Cymru #Wales #PhotoMonday