Transport for Wales (TfW) will offer discounted fares for Hywel Dda staff on certain TrawsCymru bus services.

Following a three-month free travel pilot, TfW has teamed up with Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) to encourage staff to travel more sustainably and reduce pressure on NHS car parks.

The bus services included within the promotion are the T1, T1A, T1X, T2, and T28.

Hywel Dda UHB staff can catch the TrawsCymru T1 service, operated by First Cymru, that runs between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth town centres via Glangwili Hospital, and on the TrawsCymru T2 and T28 service between Aberystwyth town centre and Bronglais Hospital.

During the free bus trial between March and June, just under 3,000 journeys were made by health board, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, and Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust staff on the routes.

The new discounted fares will offer between 20 per cent and 36 per cent saving depending on the type of ticket purchased.

Mark Jacobs, contracts and performance manager for TrawsCymru, said: "This is a fantastic example of where public transport can provide meaningful change in supporting the health board’s ambitions to reduce congestion in its car parks and encourage its staff to make more sustainable travel choices by giving the bus a go.

"I’d like to thank our operators at First Cymru and Lloyds Coaches for their support of this scheme, and we look forward to continue working with Hywel Dda UHB and considering further opportunities to run similar pilots on TrawsCymru services in other parts of Wales."

The discounted fares will be available to staff on the TrawsCymru app after a verification process or can be purchased on board by showing NHS staff photo ID.

Gareth Rees, deputy director of operations at Hywel Dda UHB, said: "As one of the largest employers in Wales, we are committed to supporting our staff to access sustainable modes of transport.

"We’d like to thank Transport for Wales for this offer and extending it to the T2 and T28 service as far as Bronglais Hospital following an enthusiastic response from our staff.

"We know this may not be an option for everyone, but choosing sustainable modes of transport, even if it is once or twice a week, can add up to a significant impact on an individual’s carbon footprint, save money and help alleviate parking pressures on busy hospital sites."