Transport for Wales and Denbighshire County Council introduce a pioneering demand responsive public transport scheme in and around the Ruthin area.

Called fflecsi, it is one of only a dozen such examples in Wales. It joins pilots in Denbigh and Prestatyn in Denbighshire.

As part of the Council’s Climate Emergency declaration, it will also be operated by the country’s first-ever zero emission 100 per cent battery-operated 16-seat minibus.

The transport scheme will also provide useful feedback on the suitability of such vehicles useful in other similar situations and locations across Wales.

Ruthin’s fflecsi will be available within the town of Ruthin itself. The vehicle is able to travel around most of Ruthin’s urban housing culs-de-sac. This will introduce a bus service for many people in Ruthin for the first time.

fflecsi will also serve a number of villages and hamlets, notably Bontuchel, Clawddnewydd, Clocaenog, Cyffylliog, Derwen, Graigfechan, Llanelidan, Pentrecelyn and Rhydymeudwy.

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change with responsibility for Transport, said:

 “fflecsi is a new scheme to make bus services more accessible and useful for people to make everyday journeys. It gives passengers more control over how they get around by providing access to reliable and flexible travel, whilst also helping to build a greener Wales."

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, said:

“This innovative service is an important part of Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government’s vision to reduce car usage and promote greener forms of travel, while also supporting the local economy and ensuring access to public transport. We have been pleased with the success of the fflecsi pilots across Wales and are delighted to be able to expand the service with a new electric vehicle.”