A coach service connecting north Wales with Carmarthen will launch later this month, Transport for Wales has confirmed.

Operated by Edwards Coaches in partnership with Llew Jones, TaithCymru will operate nine return trips every day between Bangor and Carmarthen with one late night journey each day extending to Holyhead railway station and Port.

Journeys will take between 4 hours 45 minutes and 5 hours, saving up to an hour compared to current public transport alternatives.

Operators say the timetable has been aligned with rail services, TrawsCymru and local bus services.

Transport for Wales have introduced promotional fares until January to encourage passengers.

A single journey from Bangor to Aberystwyth will cost £7; Bangor to Carmarthen: £10 and Holyhead to Carmarthen will cost £12.50.

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at Transport for Wales said: “TaithCymru gives customers a new, direct way to travel across Wales, with quicker journey times, comfortable coaches and fares designed to encourage people to give the service a try. Whether you’re travelling to university, for work, to see family and friends or for a day out, you can now book ahead and enjoy a simpler journey with fewer changes.”

TaithCymru will operate between Bangor Railway Station and Carmarthen Railway Station, calling at Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Bus Station and Aberaeron.

TaithCymru launches on Sunday 25 October.

TfW adds that customers with accessibility or assistance requirements are strongly encouraged to contact the support team at least 36 hours before travelling so suitable arrangements can be discussed. Not every stop is fully wheelchair accessible, including Aberaeron, and onboard toilets are not wheelchair accessible.

As TaithCymru is a pre-booked long-distance coach service with its own fares and ticketing, concessionary bus passes are not currently accepted.