FREE BUS RIDES FOR CHRISTMAS

Newport Transport have announced that every one of their buses operating on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve will be free of charge.

It's set to cost the company around £18,000, something former bus driver Chris Blyth, now the Managing Director of the company insists is a good idea.

“Some people might think I’m mad, but our customers have shown us great support over the last 12 months and deserve something back. I’ll be delivering this festive gift to them in probably the biggest Christmas present you’ll see in Britain this year: a bus covered in festive wrapping paper!”

The idea is also to promote responsible drinking during the festive period - something that Superintendent Julian Knight, of Newport Local Policing Unit, agrees with:

“We also have a social commitment to the people of Newport and by promoting responsible drinking and providing free public transport on these key festive dates people can leave their cars at home and enjoy a safe Christmas and New Year.”

From when the first bus leaves the company’s depot on Corporation Road at 4.30am right through until the last pick-up at 10 o’clock at night, every one of its buses will be free to members of the public to use during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Services will also be extended until 9pm.

Mr Blyth added:

“As a company everything we do is geared towards providing a positive customer experience. Despite the economic downturn we have continued to make investments in our services and staff and I am pleased to say that as a result passenger numbers have, and continue, to grow.

“Things are still tough with the economy, but it is important that we work with other companies and do not forget our commitment to our customer otherwise they will forget us.

“By providing free buses on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve we are helping encourage shoppers into the heart of Newport’s city centre benefiting local shops and businesses at a time of economic recession, as well as giving something back to our customers who we value so much.

Newport transport seen it's turnover grow by £1 million in the 2008/09 financial year to £10.15 million.

by Paul Heaney

RESIDENTS TO LOSE BUS SERVICES

Residents of Ringwood Avenue will see a significant deterioration in bus services in changes proposed in the new year.

Currently, this area has an eight minute frequency service in the peak Monday to Friday and ten minute frequency on a Saturday. In the off peak services including those on a Sunday are generally every twenty minutes.

Newport Transport will offer a half hourly Monday to Friday service covering the area as part of a new service 9 between the City Centre and Langstone Business Park.

Following a review by the City Council they have agreed to support a half hourly peak time service on a Saturday. The City Council states "Many of the residents in Ringwood Avenue and neighbouring Bishpool Lane are elderly and would find it difficult to walk to bus stops on Chepstow Road and Ringland Circle." However, the area will no longer be served on a Sunday.

Newport Transport will be extending services this year until 9pm (instead of 7pm) on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

BONUS PAYOUT FOR NEWPORT TRANSPORT STAFF

Staff at municipal bus operator Newport Transport will each receive a windfall of more than £150 in December after bosses announced details of another strong year for the business.

Turnover at the company grew by more than £1m in the last financial year (08/09) to £10.15m, while pre-tax profits broke £180,000 thanks to passenger numbers of more than 7.5m.

As part of its Performance Related Pay Scheme staff will share 10% of the company’s overall profits.