Bendy bus bow as route opens

A SPECIAL guest was on hand to help open a new £2.8 million road in Swansea yesterday.

While dignitaries lined up to be among the first to use the Landore express route yesterday, all eyes were on the bus they travelled on.

The Swansea Metro — nicknamed the bendy bus — is set to hit the roads of the city next year.

However, it paid a special visit yesterday to be the first vehicle to use the newly constructed express bus lane linking the Landore park and ride site to the city centre.

Transport bosses at Swansea Council are confident the new £2.8 million fast track into the city will provide visitors and commuters with a fantastic alternative to the car.

Cabinet member for the environment John Hague said: "I'm delighted to have officially opened this new section of road, which is purpose- built for public transport.

"We are continuing our efforts to make public transport a popular choice of transport for people visiting the city centre.

"Park and ride in Swansea has an excellent reputation," he added.

"And those already using it will benefit greatly from quicker journey times."

The new road runs alongside the main railway line into the city centre, and bypasses busy roads, including Neath Road, Dyfatty Street and parts of High Street.

First managing director Tony McNiff said: "This new link will have a huge effect on public transport services, in terms of reducing times.

"The council has recognised the bottleneck caused by traffic near Dyfatty, and provided a new road that will avoid this problem."

Interim head of transportation for Swansea Council Geoff Sheel said: "The new express road will provide buses travelling from Landore park and ride with a much quicker route to the city centre.

"Other public transport will also be able to use the road for faster access to and from the city centre."

The route will also cater for Swansea Metro services and Swansea Valley express bus services.

Funding for the scheme has come via an Assembly transport grant and Objective One.