Cuts to a subsidy which supports the provision of a bus service between the Blackwood and Ystrad Mynach railway station, could save Caerphilly County Borough Council £80,000.
The council’s draft budget proposals for 2020-21 include the removal of the Raillinc service subsidy from Blackwood to Ystrad Mynach.
The service costs the council the equivalent of £4.64 per passenger.
Raillinc route 901 is the dedicated service linking Ystrad Mynach station with Blackwood, Pontllanfraith and Maesycwmmer.
The timetable of the Raillinc route is designed to meet train times so that most journeys from Blackwood to Cardiff can be made in under than one hour.
The report warns the proposed service cuts would impact on communities in this area of the county borough and would restrict access to employment, healthcare and other services and facilities.
The report says: “The alternative service for these communities (service seven) has a longer travel time, is not guaranteed to dovetail with rail services and would incur approximately £3 per day additional travel costs for each individual.
“The proposal is likely to lead to a reduction in passengers using public transport that could take a long time to attract back (if at all) if the service were reinstated/ improved.
“There could be an increase in demand for park and ride spaces at Ystrad Mynach if there is a transition from bus to car.
“The current park and ride facility is already over capacity.
“Consideration is under way of providing a new expanded park and ride at Ystrad Mynach.”
N.A.T, who operate the service, has said they will work with Caerphilly County Borough Council to find an alternative way to maintain the service.
A spokesman for N.A.T Group said: “We have been informed today (December 9) by Caerphilly County Borough Council that it has begun a consultation on the removal of subsidy for the Blackwood to Ystrad Mynach Raillinc service (route number 901), which is operated by N.A.T Group.
“The company will now work with the local authority to look at what options might be available for the service to be maintained.”
A consultation on the draft budget proposals is currently underway.