Fflecsi Bus - public transport in the rural area around Ruthin
Buses operate from Ruthin to the following villages:
- Betws GG
- Bontuchel
- Clawddnewydd
- Clocaenog
- Cyffylliog
- Derwen
- Melin-y-Wig
Cadwyn Leader, the rural development agency for Denbighshire, with funding from the Welsh Government has funded improvements to the bus services in these areas and offer more journeys on a 'demand responsive' basis.
The buses are branded as 'Fflecsi Bus' because they are more flexible than previously. This is a pilot project and funding is available for about 2½ years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Fflecsi Bus
What are the improvements and when do the buses run?
- Buses are now available six days a week to all the destinations in and around the villages south and west of Ruthin. Previously, for example, there was no service to Bontuchel or Cyffylliog on a Monday and there were no buses on three days to Llanelidan.
- Another benefit is that wherever possible buses now run at the same time on each day. Previously, the bus times were different on different days of the week.
- There are now more journeys, offering a greater choice.
- The service is run with two accessible low floor buses, the first time these have found their way on to these routes.
- There are now buses later in the afternoon.
The timetable shows a number of return trips are 'demand responsive.' What does this mean?
- Most afternoon trips operate on demand only. If there are passengers waiting for the bus at Market Street, it will operate to whichever village is on the line of route.
How may I book one of these afternoon journeys?
Passengers can ‘book’ a return trip in three ways, by:
- Telling the driver on the incoming journey the time you wish to return. GHA has a procedure to ensure requests are passed to any subsequent drivers.
- Simply turning up at Market Street at the appropriate time for the appropriate village. Return buses are all timed at Market Street. The driver can then work out how many passengers are travelling and to where.
- Booking by phone on 01978 820 820. This is ideal for passengers who make their own may into Ruthin but need the security of knowing they can book a return. It’s also useful in a small number of cases where an inbound bus to Ruthin can divert to meet a passenger.
Where do the afternoon journeys go?
- Buses at 1320 and 1420 can serve any of the following villages:
- Bontuchel, Cyffylliog, Clawddnewydd, Clocaenog and/or Clawddnewydd.
- Buses at 1210 and 1410 can service Llanelidan and/or Rhyd y Meudwy.
- Buses at 1620 can serve Bontuchel, Cyffylliog, Clawddnewydd, Clocaenog, Clawddnewydd, Llanelidan or Rhyd y Meudwy.
- Buses at 1720 can serve Bontuchel, Cyffylliog, Clawddnewydd, Clocaenog, Clawddnewydd, Llanelidan or Rhyd y Meudwy, Derwen, Betws GG and/or Melin-y-Wig.
What happens if a bus turns up at Market Street and there are no passengers?
Unless a passenger further on has booked, the bus will not operate. This avoids wasted mileage and fuel, when the bus is running empty.
In which order will passengers be returned?
It will be up to your driver. We ask the driver to drop passengers off in the most logical sequence to minimise journey times for passengers.
One journey starts at Ysgol Brynhyfryd at 1715. Why is this?
To return passengers who have taken part in after school activities. This is experimental. The 1715 pick up at the school will operate on schooldays only while the following 1720 departure from Market Street operates Mondays to Saturdays.
Passengers travelling from Ysgol Brynhyfryd to Ruthin town may use the 1715 journey upon payment of the appropriate fare.
What if I am asked to divert off a recognised bus route for a passenger?
At least initially, buses will not be asked to divert from existing roads known to be safe for buses. This is, however, part of the plan for the service. It is acceptable, however, to drop and pick up anywhere safe along the line of route (e.g. outside someone’s house).
What are the fares for the service?
Normal bus fares apply. Cerdyn Cymru free pass holders travel free of charge. Holders of valid 16218 passes may obtain 25% discount on single and return adult fares.
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