NEWPORT Bus is set to launch a number changes to its network from next month.

The changes, will come into affect from September 1, aim to 'maintain affordable fares for customers and serve as many people as possible', the company said.

The changes will include more than 15 services introducing increased frequencies, more buses or quicker journey times.

A number of services will be affected by reduced frequencies or being merged with others to help protect their viability though.

However customers using the local operator’s Freedom card will benefit from a 10 per cent reduction on any ticket they buy aboard a Newport Bus from the beginning of September.

To ensure all customers are aware of the changes, Newport Bus has taken out an advertisement campaign in the South Wales Argus and aboard its buses, and has also produced an information leaflet detailing all affected services, which is available at its travel centre in Newport Market and online at www.newportbus.co.uk

Morgan Stevens, operations director at Newport Transport, which runs Newport Bus, said: “As Newport and the surrounding area’s local bus operator our customers are extremely important to us. This is why, despite the financial pressures affecting all bus operators in Wales, we have taken the step to develop our bus network so that we protect more services, deliver better frequencies where possible, and keep our fares low.

“In doing so we are bucking the trend being set in other regions by bus companies, but this is because we know the important role our network plays in our customers’ lives. With this in mind we want to improve its longevity in a way that means we are able to continue providing affordable, modern buses and dedicated, helpful drivers.

“We know that many of our customers will benefit from the improvements and changes however also understand that some will be disappointed.

"We have had to make a small number of changes to services affecting, for example, their frequency but this important in us being able to provide a network that serves as many people as possible and that has low and affordable fares.

“Our message to our customers is that as your bus operator will continue working hard to invest in your buses and bus services so that we provide a network built on value and customer satisfaction.”

For more information about the changes visit the Newport Bus Travel Centre in Newport Market or www.newportbus.co.uk

We apologise to the company and service users for confusion caused yesterday, the story was published on our website despite an embargo in error.