CONCERNS have been raised around the impact of scrapping a bus service which runs from Risca to Cardiff via the Rogerstone and Marshfield areas of Newport.

As part of Newport City Council’s draft budget for the 2017-2018 financial year, which includes cuts totalling £4.6 million, proposals have been made to end subsidies for the X16 service, which would save taxpayers £69,000 next year.

At a meeting of the authority’s Streetscene, Regeneration and Safety Scrutiny Committee on Thursday (January 12) members said they were concerned about the impact scrapping the service would have on older or disabled people who may rely on it.

Figures presented at the meeting showed the service was used by about 150 people during a 30-day survey period, but it made only £46 revenue during the same period as the majority of these passengers were owners of free bus passes. A study has also shown two thirds of passengers on the service only use it to travel between St Mellons and Cardiff.

But Rogerstone ward member cllr Tom Bond said the figures were “only part of the picture”.

“It is not a hugely well-used service,” he said.“But a lot of the users are concessionary pass holders.”

He said he would be more comfortable making a decision when the results of a passenger survey currently being carried out were known.

Allt-yr-yn ward member cllr Matthew Evans said he shared concerns around scrapping the service.

“It is ideal for the elderly residents who mostly live on the two housing development near St Mellons Road,” he said. “Trying to get to the top of the A48 is not just to be easy for these people.

“It does appear to be hitting the elderly and disabled disproportionately. These are the type of people we should be assisting.”

The council’s draft budget documents state alternative services are available, as well as the two railway stations in Rogerstone.

But Beechwood ward member cllr Deb Davies said shelling out for a train ticket may not be viable to those X16 users with free bus passes, saying she was concerned the plans were “unfair”.

“Making this decision will have an impact on people’s lives,” she said.

A consultation into the draft budget, which will be finalised in March, is running until Friday, January 20. To take part visit newport.gov.uk/budget.