Bus operator Stagecoach has ruled out reinstating the number 25 service, which operated from Caerphilly to Cardiff until it was axed on September 1.
The service, which stopped at the University Hospital of Wales, has been replaced by an extended 86 service, which will run hourly instead of every 30 minutes.
Journey times to the hospital are also increasing by 33 minutes – taking an almost an hour to get there.
Despite a meeting with Caerphilly AM Hefin David and MP Wayne David on Friday, September 6, Stagecoach managing director Nigel Winter has rejected calls to reinstate the service.
The AM and MP presented four petitions, signed by residents opposing the changes, to the company.
Hefin David AM described the changes as “chaotic” and said many passengers have voiced their concerns about drivers taking the wrong routes.
He said: “Unfortunately, Stagecoach have not agreed to reinstate the number 25 bus, despite the strong case Wayne David and I made at our meeting on September 6.
“Stagecoach have repeatedly said the service has been running at a loss but this has been challenged by many of the passengers of the service.
“We will be making the case to Stagecoach that services, particularly to the University Hospital of Wales, are crucial for local residents.
“Stagecoach have asked for further evidence from users of the service so I will be writing to every constituent that has contacted my office, asking them to provide the information Stagecoach have asked for. Both Wayne and I are determined to explore all alternative provision and we will keep up this campaign to support Caerphilly residents.”
Hefin David AM and Wayne David MP have asked Caerphilly County Borough Council for a meeting to discuss other providers that may be willing to provide the service.
Wayne David MP said: “Stagecoach have got to realise that even though there is deregulation of the buses, the company must provide a public service.
“I want to see a comprehensive bus service for the area.
“It is essential that the public come first. Everyone should have access to a bus service which goes to the Heath Hospital regularly and in a reasonable travel time. That must be the aim.”
Stagecoach’s decision to scrap the service has been met with cross-party opposition, with Caerphilly Town councillors Huw Jackson and Simon Morgan among those speaking out against the plans.
A Stagecoach spokesperson previously told Caerphilly Observer the company had “taken steps to retain a Cardiff to Caerphilly service via the Heath Hospital and that a survey had “identified few users on the unique service 25 routing”.