Explore Wales Pass - Bus Availability

[John Luxton]

In May 2022 I bought a 4 in 8 day Explore Wales pass and had a good wander around by rail but didn't make use of the bus facility which allows travel on Arriva, First, Cardiff and Stagecoach services

I am considering getting another this year (rail strikes permitting) but something is puzzling me with the bus element.

Why does it not appear to be valid on the Wrexham / Ruabon to Barmouth Bus T3 bus which is essentially the still operating replacement for the former rail service which is operated by Lloyds Coaches.

Looking at timetables available for that route being able to use it would allow for various interesting circular itineraries.

Seems a really strange anomaly considering T3 appears on the Transport For Wales web site which promotes the Explore Wales Pass ticket. https://traws.cymru/en/services/LLCO/T3

John

 

[30907]

The majority of TrawsCymru routes are not covered by the big operators - T1 Carmarthen-Aberystwyth, which does appear on the map linked from the Pass page, is the major exception.

PS the North Wales Rover (a misnamed Day Ranger) is AFAIK still valid on pretty much any bus in its area, though the TfW site conceals the fact.

 

[John Luxton]

The majority of TrawsCymru routes are not covered by the big operators - T1 Carmarthen-Aberystwyth, which does appear on the map linked from the Pass page, is the major exception.

PS the North Wales Rover (a misnamed Day Ranger) is AFAIK still valid on pretty much any bus in its area, though the TfW site conceals the fact.

Appears odd that the day ticket covers most buses whilst the Explore Wales pass is rather limited. One might think that as TfW promote the TrawsCambria bus network on their web site they would ensure that the operators accepted the Explore Wales Pass.

It is also a bit frustrating that the Explore Wales Pass is not valid on TfW Chester to Liverpool LS service nor services into Manchester, yet it can be used as far as Gloucester in the south!

 

[Envoy]

The Explore Wales pass also excludes Adventure Travel who have massive network in the south including the Gower peninsula.

Home | Adventure Travel

www.adventuretravel.cymru

"Adventure Travel operates the popular 'CrossCity' bus routes providing Cardiff with routes that operate from one side of the city to the other, as well as urban and rural services across many parts of South Wales."

 

[John Luxton]

The Explore Wales pass also excludes Adventure Travel who have massive network in the south including the Gower peninsula.

Home | Adventure Travel

www.adventuretravel.cymru

Thanks

As TfW is basically an arm of the Welsh Government and thus supports many rural bus routes that they would ensure that the Explore Wales Pass was valid on all supported buses services, in particular where those services feature on the TfW web site.

 

[Ken_Ilworth]

As a data point for anyone who stumbles on this thread, if of interest, I used a 4-in-8 Explore North and Mid-Wales this week. It wasn't refused on any Arriva bus, but over 50% of drivers commented that they hadn't seen one before, or I had to explain acceptance. A Dilwyns Coaches driver was (correctly, I believe) absolutely positive that it wasn't accepted (the resultant fare wasn't expensive) - and a Lloyds coaches driver 'wasn't sure' but let me travel anyway )
(I agree that acceptance of the 1-day pass is much clearer according to the online info..)

 

[John Luxton]

As a data point for anyone who stumbles on this thread, if of interest, I used a 4-in-8 Explore North and Mid-Wales this week. It wasn't refused on any Arriva bus, but over 50% of drivers commented that they hadn't seen one before, or I had to explain acceptance. A Dilwyns Coaches driver was (correctly, I believe) absolutely positive that it wasn't accepted (the resultant fare wasn't expensive) - and a Lloyds coaches driver 'wasn't sure' but let me travel anyway )
(I agree that acceptance of the 1-day pass is much clearer according to the online info..)

Thanks for that info. I have just planned an itinerary for four days which I hope to do in the next week or so. Only bus factored in is Carmarthen to Aberystwyth which it is valid on.

I actually wonder just how many use it on buses. I would imagine many users it primarily as a Rail Rover ticket. I had one in May 2022 and didn't use the bus element even though that is valid for the full 8 days and not 4 in 8.

John

 

[Oscar M]

As a data point for anyone who stumbles on this thread, if of interest, I used a 4-in-8 Explore North and Mid-Wales this week. It wasn't refused on any Arriva bus, but over 50% of drivers commented that they hadn't seen one before, or I had to explain acceptance. A Dilwyns Coaches driver was (correctly, I believe) absolutely positive that it wasn't accepted (the resultant fare wasn't expensive) - and a Lloyds coaches driver 'wasn't sure' but let me travel anyway )
(I agree that acceptance of the 1-day pass is much clearer according to the online info..)

To add to this, back in October 2022 I used an Explore Cardiff and Valleys ranger which is valid on Stagecoach South Wales and Thomas of Rhondda bus services in the area. I travelled on two Stagecoach buses, one driver accepted the ticket with no questions asked and the other driver was confused but let me on after I explained what the ticket was and the validity it had.

 

[mangyiscute]

To add to this, back in October 2022 I used an Explore Cardiff and Valleys ranger which is valid on Stagecoach South Wales and Thomas of Rhondda bus services in the area. I travelled on two Stagecoach buses, one driver accepted the ticket with no questions asked and the other driver was confused but let me on after I explained what the ticket was and the validity it had.

I've used that ticket on buses too and I had the same experience - confused looks but i made sure i had the web page showing validity pre loaded so that they then waved me on.

 

[Krokodil]

I actually wonder just how many use it on buses. I would imagine many users it primarily as a Rail Rover ticket.

Even on trains I hardly ever see it.

 

[John Luxton]

Even on trains I hardly ever see it.

I have just been to pick one up at Liverpool Lime Street for tomorrow. Lady in the office said she had never sold one before when she first offered me the North Wales only one. She found it eventually.

Last year a chap on the barriers at Cardiff Central also gave it a fair bit of scrutiny as though he hadn't seen one - but conductors and travelling RPIs seem quite familiar with them.

It's actually a good ticket but poorly promoted could save people pounds on normal fares even if not doing much roving. Though I seem to recall even back in the 70s it was available but I think then it was a 7 day rover. Featured in the old BR Rover Leaflets.

The odd availability around the border areas need sorting given it is promoted by TfW should be extended on their services only to Bidston, Liverpool Lime St and Manchester Piccadilly. I use my Merseytravel concessionary pass to get to Chester then pick up rail service there.

 

[317 forever]

To add to this, back in October 2022 I used an Explore Cardiff and Valleys ranger which is valid on Stagecoach South Wales and Thomas of Rhondda bus services in the area. I travelled on two Stagecoach buses, one driver accepted the ticket with no questions asked and the other driver was confused but let me on after I explained what the ticket was and the validity it had.

I bought one at Barry last year but the ticket clerk didn't even know it was valid on buses!

 

[Djgr]

I have just been to pick one up at Liverpool Lime Street for tomorrow. Lady in the office said she had never sold one before when she first offered me the North Wales only one. She found it eventually.

Last year a chap on the barriers at Cardiff Central also gave it a fair bit of scrutiny as though he hadn't seen one - but conductors and travelling RPIs seem quite familiar with them.

It's actually a good ticket but poorly promoted could save people pounds on normal fares even if not doing much roving. Though I seem to recall even back in the 70s it was available but I think then it was a 7 day rover. Featured in the old BR Rover Leaflets.

The odd availability around the border areas need sorting given it is promoted by TfW should be extended on their services only to Bidston, Liverpool Lime St and Manchester Piccadilly. I use my Merseytravel concessionary pass to get to Chester then pick up rail service there.

TfW website is contradictory about inclusion of the Borderlands line north of Shotton. They also don't appear to be aware that Harwarden Bridge (aka Pont Penarlâg) is in Wales.

 

[John Luxton]

TfW website is contradictory about inclusion of the Borderlands line north of Shotton. They also don't appear to be aware that Harwarden Bridge (aka Pont Penarlâg) is in Wales.

Yes it is. It puzzled me last year I saw some info before buying one last year which just mentioned Wrexham - Bidston line with no limit.

It does seem odd that it is valid to Gloucester but not valid to Liverpool or Manchester.

Perhaps it should be reinvented as a TfW Rover and cover all TfW services?

 

[Krokodil]

It does seem odd that it is valid to Gloucester but not valid to Liverpool or Manchester.

Why? Gloucester is the stop-but-one after the border. Manchester is more than 40 miles from Wales.

 

[John Luxton]

Why? Gloucester is the stop-but-one after the border. Manchester is more than 40 miles from Wales.

Gloucester is 30 miles from the border at Chepstow!!

 

[Krokodil]

Gloucester is 30 miles from the border at Chepstow!!

It's still the stop-but-one and the first interchange you get to after leaving Wales. Manchester is a considerable number of stops after crossing, and you've already been through Chester or Crewe.