A new long-distance coach service linking North and South Wales will launch this autumn, cutting journey times by more than an hour and providing a major boost to public transport across the country.

The daily service will run between Bangor and Carmarthen, connecting communities along Wales’ west coast while improving access to jobs, healthcare, education, businesses and tourist destinations.

Stops will include Bangor Rail Station, Caernarfon, Porthmadog Rail Station, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Bus Station, Aberaeron and Carmarthen Rail Station.

The route is designed to provide a faster, more reliable alternative to travelling by car while strengthening links between North and South Wales – an area long criticised for poor transport connections.

The Welsh Government says the service will reduce journey times by more than an hour compared with existing public transport options and will also encourage more sustainable travel as Wales moves towards a low-carbon economy.

Deputy Transport Minister Mark Hooper said the new service delivers on a commitment made in the Welsh Government’s first 100-day plan.

“We promised in our 100-day plan that we would prepare to launch a new coach service linking the north of Wales with the south of Wales and I’m delighted to confirm that plans are well underway to introduce this service in the autumn,” he said.

“For decades, many rural communities have been ill-served by public transport, but this new coach service is the first step in improving connectivity between the north and the south of Wales.”

The new route will complement existing transport services, including the TrawsCymru network, local rural bus services and Fflecsi, forming part of the wider ‘T Network’ – the Welsh Government’s vision for an integrated public transport system across Wales.

As well as benefiting residents, ministers believe the service will improve access for visitors travelling to destinations including Eryri National Park, the LlÅ·n Peninsula and Cardigan Bay, supporting the region’s tourism economy while reducing reliance on private cars.

Transport for Wales Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration Lee Robinson said the route had been shaped through extensive planning and engagement.

“This new coach service is the result of a huge amount of work by teams across Transport for Wales, working closely with partners and drawing on insight from our Network North Wales programme to design a service that truly meets the needs of communities.

“By linking key towns and communities along the west coast, we’re creating faster, more reliable connections for work, education and leisure.”

Funding for the new coach service was confirmed in the Welsh Government’s First Supplementary Budget, alongside £8 million to extend the £1 bus fare scheme for all five to 21-year-olds until 31 March 2027.

The new service is expected to begin operating in the autumn, with Transport for Wales using the coming months to finalise timetables and integrate the route with rail and local bus connections.