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A trial of free weekend buses has seen passenger numbers double on some routes according to official figures.

Government economy chief Ken Skates announced the initiative in July at a cost of £1m, to see how pricing affects demand for public transport.

This includes services that run on the Bangor to Aberystwyth route, and from Wrexham to Barmouth going via Llangollen.

The figures for the first eight weekends suggest it has been a success, with passenger numbers on North Wales routes up by a minimum of two-thirds.

Services between Wrexham and Barmouth have more than doubled with a 109% increase in customers on Saturdays and Sundays.

More than 12,200 passengers used the service between Saturday July 8 and Sunday August 26 - averaging 765 passengers per day on the service.

Services between Bangor and Aberystwyth fared well too, with the Saturday only service 66% up on last year - averaging 208 customers per day.

The Saturday and Sunday service on the same route, operated by a different carrier did even better with a 77% increase, averaging 348 passengers per day.

Mr Skates hailed the success of the idea.

(Image: Arwyn Roberts)

He said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see this pilot boosting summer passenger numbers.

“From Bangor to Cardiff, Fishguard to Wrexham , this scheme provides a perfect opportunity for people from across Wales and beyond to jump on a bus and spend their weekends enjoying the diverse beauty of Wales and I am delighted it has already proved so popular.”

It was hoped the scheme would benefit passengers and provide a boost to destinations and tourist attractions.

Mr Skates added: “I’ve been keen that this pilot, at the very least, serves to increase the awareness of what bus services are available locally and today’s figures suggest that to be the case.

“I look forward to seeing how this TrawsCymru increase has impacted other services later this year.”

Mr Skates had previously said he would compensate operators who were put out of pocket by the idea.