CARDIFF BUS 701 ON WESTGATE STREET
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a vibrant urban centre located on the southern Welsh coast, along the Bristol Channel. As the largest city in Wales, it serves as a crucial hub for commerce, culture, and transport, connecting various parts of the country and beyond.
🚌 Bus Services and Operators:
Cardiff boasts a comprehensive bus network operated by several key providers:
Cardiff Bus: The principal operator in the city, Cardiff Bus is a municipally owned company that manages an extensive range of routes within Cardiff and the surrounding areas. Their services cover key destinations, including Barry, Cardiff Bay, and residential suburbs.
Stagecoach South Wales: Provides services that connect Cardiff with other towns and cities in South Wales, offering vital links for regional commuters and travellers.
Newport Bus: Also a municipal operator, they run the 30 & X30 service to Newport jointly with Cardiff Bus.
Adventure Travel: Part of the ComfortDelGro group, offering scheduled local services and the Fflecsi demand-responsive transport in north Cardiff.
First Cymru: Operates long-distance services into Cardiff from their Swansea depot.
Edwards Coaches: Operates the 400 service to Gwaunmiskin, usually using Volvo MCV service buses.
🕰️ Historical Overview:
Cardiff's public transport history dates back to 1902 when the Corporation of Cardiff initiated electric tram services between Newport Road and the city centre. This development marked the transition from horse-drawn trams and buses, which had been in operation since at least 1845.
In October 1920, Cardiff Corporation expanded its transport services by introducing petrol-electric motor buses. The first of these buses commenced operation on December 24, 1920, running from St. John Square to Monthermer Road in Cathays. This initiative aimed to serve lightly used routes and provide feeder services to the existing tram network.
Over the decades, the city's transport system evolved, phasing out trams in favour of buses. By 1970, Cardiff had fully transitioned to motor buses, establishing a network that continues to serve the city's residents and visitors today
📷 Bus Spotting Popularity:
For bus enthusiasts, Cardiff offers a dynamic and varied scene. The city's diverse fleet, featuring vehicles from multiple operators, provides ample opportunities for observation and photography. The recent opening of the new Cardiff Bus Interchange in June 2024 has further enhanced the bus spotting experience, offering modern facilities and increased bus traffic in a central location.
📝 Summary:
In summary, Cardiff's rich transport history, combined with its extensive and varied bus network, makes it a significant and appealling location for bus spotting enthusiasts.
Cardiff Bus 213 (CE02UUX), a Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Mini Pointer, arriving into Cardiff along the iconic St Mary Street, operating the 95B service
Cardiff Bus 235 (CN54NTT), a Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Pointer 2, captured as it travels along St Mary Street, operating the X45 service to St Mellons
Adventure Travel DES278 (YY15NJE), an ADL Enviro 200 in purple livery, parked on layover on Custom House Street, with OM139 (YJ15AOV), an Optare MetroCity, parked behind
Stagecoach South Wales 26088 (YX66 WHS), an ADL Enviro 200 MMC in Stagecoach Gold livery, carrying branding for the 132 route, on St Mary Street
Wheadon's Travel N18EKW, a Volvo B11R with a Jonckheere JHV body, captured on Penarth Road in Cardiff, departing Cardiff Central Railway Station on a rail replacement service
Williams Coaches of Brecon WC17JLW, a Mercedes-Benz Tourismo on St Mary Street
Cardiff Bus Mercedes-Benz Citaros, 105 (CE63NYY) and 152 (CX12FNH), captured in front of the iconic Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Bus 410 (CE71YDF), a Yutong E12 in the striking purple and orange livery for routes 44 & 45, as it operates a 45 service to St Mellons along Kingsway in Cardiff
Stagecoach 59226 (BN64FKU), a Scania Caetano Levante 2 in striking all-over dark blue, seen turning onto Kingsway in Cardiff while operating the M82 service to Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Cardiff Bus 198 (CE02UUS), a Dennis Dart SLF / Plaxton Mini Pointer, arriving into Cardiff City Centre along Westgate Street, operating the 66 service
Cardiff Bus 311 (YX22OJB) and Cardiff Bus 314 (YX72OLJ), both ADL Enviro 400 MMCs in striking white livery, as they travel along Westgate Street in Cardiff, operating the 18 service to Ely
Volvo BZL DD demonstrator BV23NNT, on loan to Cardiff Bus as fleet number 996, operating a 17 service to Ely. The bus is seen on Westgate Street in Cardiff
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