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Hefin David is the Labour Senedd Member for the Caerphilly constituency.

Last Friday I met with Stagecoach for an update on local services.

Bus companies have been under pressure for some time now and have experienced numerous obstacles since the pandemic and as a result of Brexit. 

At our previous meeting with managing director Martin Gibbon in June, we were made aware of several ongoing issues, which included a shortage of drivers. 

During our latest meeting last week it was confirmed that although there are still some staff sickness issues, Stagecoach has recruited a large number of new drivers; with 21 drivers starting just last week. 

Stagecoach drivers have also seen a pay increase of £1 per hour, which has helped to improve the retention of more long-term drivers.

In June, the company told us that they were experience engineering and repair difficulties, with delays in parts from further down the supply chain. This meant a higher number of buses being off the road at one time. 

Stagecoach has kept us updated throughout this period and last week advised us that progress has been made on this problem, with engine issues improving. It also reported a new management team in their Caerphilly workshop. 

Services are still adapting to the 20mph changes across Wales, but Stagecoach assured us that safety is paramount and drivers continue to comply with new and existing speed limits. Extra time is being added for journeys, but I would ask you to please be patient with drivers while the system adapts.

Last week the company reported a 98% reliability rate. While we still have some small issues to iron out in Caerphilly particularly, we are seeing a huge improvement compared to what we were seeing six months ago. This is reflected in my own inbox, where I have seen a vast reduction in complaints about buses. 

I intend to hold a bus surgery in the new year and I will share more about that to my Facebook page, closer to the time. 

I meet with Stagecoach again in January and as always, I would be happy to take up any issues on your behalf.