BUS users in Denbighshire face rising fares and service cuts after the County Council’s public transport grants were slashed by 27per cent.
The authority’s Local Transport Services Grant and Bus Service Operators Grant for 2012/13 has been reduced by £108,000, and is likely to result in drastic changes to bus services from April.
A spokesperson from Denbighshire Council said that transport officers are now in discussions with bus operators to minimise the impact of the cuts.
“In the light the Welsh Government's decision, officers are currently working closely with bus operators to try to mitigate where possible the effects of both the reduction in Local Transport Services Grant and Bus Service Operators Grant.
“Because the Welsh Government announcement was made only very recently, it is too soon to say precisely what the implications may be but at this stage we obviously cannot rule out fares increases and cuts in bus services. Officers will try to minimise the impact of any changes.”
Denbighshire’s buget has been slashed from £396,000 to £288,000, while Conwy Council have also been hit with a 27 per cent drop in financing, from £401,588 to £292,064.
The Welsh Local Government Authority, which represents councils across the country, said they were “dissappointed” by the cuts.
A spokesperson said: “Whilst cuts were expected, the severity of the cuts was unforeseen and local authorities are now warning that the affect on services is likely to be severe.
“Local authorities are particularly disappointed by the late notice given for these cuts which has meant councils have been unable to budget for them when drawing up their 2012-13 spending plans.
"Bus companies and councils in England have been given 18 months to prepare for a 20 per cent reduction starting in April, in contrast, Welsh councils will suffer a 25 per cent cut with just three months warning.”