A pilot TrawsCymru bus service has been launched to provide a more sustainable way of travelling in and around Snowdonia National Park.

Launched on Saturday, July 31, the T10 bus will run daily from Bangor to Corwen from morning to mid-evening for the next 12 months.

The aim is to reduce the need for private car journeys within areas of the National Park, and encourage residents and tourists to take the bus to visit popular rural destinations such as Betws-y-Coed, Llyn Ogwen and Capel Curig.

To celebrate the launch, TrawsCymru are providing journeys free of charge until Sunday, August 8, though passengers will be unable to make journeys between Bangor and Bethesda on the T10 for the first week.

The project is being funded by Transport for Wales and operated by K&P Coaches and Llew Jones Coaches.

Lee Robinson, development director for Mid, North and Rural Wales, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure the funding for this new bus service, which not only provides a more sustainable mode of transport, it’s also part of the wider integrated transport plans we’re trying to build here in North Wales as part of the North Wales Metro Programme.

“It’s great to see the transport connections we’re able to bring to more rural areas of North Wales and to support our communities by staying connected.

“We’d like to thank Denbighshire County Council for tendering this service on our behalf.”

Connections with the existing T3 service in Corwen will allow passengers to continue their journey on to Llangollen and Wrexham.

Passengers will also be able to use the new 1Bws day ticket on this service, meaning you can travel across North Wales all day for just £5.70 (per adult, concessions available).

Councillor Brian Jones, lead member for waste, transport and the environment for Denbighshire County Council, added: “The T10 is important in bridging a significant gap in the current bus network by allowing residents and visitors to do something they currently cannot.

“With the introduction in July 2021 of the new ‘1Bws’ all-operator ticket, this really opens up sustainable travel opportunities to and from South Denbighshire and the Dee Valley in a way we have not enjoyed before.”

Emyr Williams, Snowdonia National Park Authority’s chief executive, said: “This new bus service will provide a more sustainable and relaxed travel experience around Snowdonia, especially during the peak season.

“There are great benefits to using a more sustainable form of transport - for example, reducing carbon footprint and therefore reducing our effect on global warming and climate change.

“It can also be a chance to enhance the experience of your visit by enabling you to relax and enjoy the views without the added stress of traffic and parking.”

Councillor Gareth Griffith, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member for environment, added: “As a council, we want to ensure that there are sustainable and affordable transport options for local people and those who visit the area to enjoy Gwynedd’s stunning outdoors.

“We are very pleased to see this important development which will offer additional options for people wishing to travel in this area – for both local people and those visiting the area who wish to leave the car at home.

“The new T10 service will offer a transport link around the foothills of Yr Wyddfa, linking from Bangor train station, on to Llyn Ogwen and beyond.”

Councillor Philip Evans, public transport champion for Conwy County Borough Council, said: “This new route will improve public transport access to the south of Conwy County and link a number of key employment centres not currently served by public transport.

“It will also enhance the role of Betws-y-Coed as a transport hub, providing connection to the railway system.

“We’re very pleased that Transport for Wales is introducing this service and believe that it will be welcomed by residents.”