A large part of the coach sector in Wales is dedicated to excursions, package tours (including hotels and activities) and private hire by individuals and clubs.

It also provides the backbone of school transport. However, it is rarely considered in transport policies to the same extent as buses and trains.

Passenger travel by coach rose rapidly in the first half of the twentieth century. In 1934 the travelling public were offered two previously unheard-of travel concepts – integrated public transport services and a hub and spoke network.

Several coach and bus companies established Associated Motorways; a comprehensive Wales and England route network centred at a Cheltenham hub with connecting journeys, through ticketing and guaranteed seats – all without computers.

The coming of the family car reduced leisure travel by coach and train from 70% of journeys in 1950 to 30% by 1970 because of the convenience and the lower cost per car passenger.

However, coach scheduled services are making a comeback mainly because of their relatively low journey cost compared with trains.

The price comparator by customers remains ‘half the price/twice the journey time’. Although service frequency is, far lower than the railway offer often with only two to four daily departures from........

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