THE Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams, got behind the wheel of a new community electric shuttle bus as he helped formally launch “Bws Ogwen” in Bethesda.

The service, operated by Partneriaeth Ogwen and which starts on Thursday, July 21, will run daily services between Bethesda and Llyn Ogwen from April to October.

It stops at Penrhyn Terrace, Yr Hen Bost, Llyn Ogwen and Pen y Benglog.

Between November and March, the bus will be available for community hire.

The electric bus will be charged up at Canolfan Cefnfaes, Bethesda, with plans afoot to install Ynni Ogwen solar panels on the roof to provide the energy supply.

The project was supported by the Community Transport Association (CTA), Friends of the Earth and Snowdonia National Park amongst others.

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Mr Williams said: “I was delighted to attend the official launch of Bws Ogwen in Bethesda today and help kick-start this fantastic community and visitor asset which is both great for our environment and a practical, sustainable solution to local parking woes.

“I would like to pay tribute to Partneriaeth Ogwen for their continued investment in green, climate-friendly initiatives and to partner organisations for their support in delivering this exciting project.

“For a small return fee of £3, passengers can jump on the shuttle bus in Bethesda and be dropped off at Llyn Ogwen without having to worry about finding a parking space or risk having their vehicle towed away by the authorities.

“The shuttle bus runs alongside the Traws Cymru service, providing additional capacity for those planning on using Llyn Ogwen as a base to start their hike.

“It is a convenient, low-cost and carbon neutral alternative to using your car and more often than not, parking illegally.

“I look forward to seeing the shuttle bus take to the road and hope both visitors and local people alike make use and support this climate friendly bus, rightly encouraging us all do our bit for the environment.”