IT COULD be the last stop for buses in Rogerstone, Allt-yr-yn and Brynglas, as the non-profitable routes will be cancelled from September.

The decision comes after council-owned Newport Transport lost a major contract to provide school bus services in the city, and now says it has to look at which services are “commercially viable”.

Residents are unhappy with the changes, saying they could be left isolated if they can’t hail buses.

But the company says it is committed to putting on alternative transport, looking at options like on-demand services where customers request a minibus the day before in a similar way to a taxi.

It already operates this kind of “demand responsive” service in Marshfield, which people can still use their free buses pass for.

Allt-yr-yn councillor Matthew Evans said: “I’m assuming they are taking stock of the situation at the moment having lost the school bus contract, and are taking a long hard look at the business, and which services are profitable.

“There has been a lot of concern expressed from residents about it.

“Clearly some don’t have cars and rely on the bus, particularly elderly people.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to go into the city centre. I understand they have some proposals for an off-peak service.”

He said he hoped Newport Transport might resurrect the bus routes once new shopping centre Friar’s Walk opens in November as there could be more demand.

The Argus understands empty buses have been running to and from the affected areas, with only a small number of passengers each day.

At the moment there are seven buses a day from Newport to Rogerstone during the week and 16 to Allt-yr-yn and Brynglas.

In an email, seen by the Argus, from Newport Transport managing director Scott Pearson to Newport West AM Dame Rosemary Butler, Mr Pearson says the changes are a direct result of losing the school season ticket contract which supported local bus services.

Brynglas resident Tina Stewart-Tutton said: “I was appalled to discover the bus service in Brynglas and Allt-yr-yn is to cease from September 1.

“Not only do we live on two of the steepest hills in Newport but we have a large number of residents who are pensioners in receipt of bus passes which could potentially leave them socially isolated.”

She said house prices might fall because people might prefer to live nearer a bus route.

Jean Pink, aged 67, from Bryn Bevan, said: “We have got no other form of transport. I get the bus a couple of times a week. My husband can’t walk very far and there’s no way he could walk up that hill. And if people can’t go into town, they won’t be able to support the shops.”

Rogerstone Cllr Chris Evans, who sits on the board of Newport Transport, said he hoped a solution would be forthcoming soon and added: “I think Newport Transport will continue to provide the best possible service they can.”

A Newport Transport spokesman said: “Newport Transport has restructured services in Rogerstone, Allt-yr-yn and Brynglas where a normal bus service is unfortunately not commercially viable.

“However, the company is committed to ensuring that these areas have access to alternative public transport.

“This could be a further reduction in service and/or demand responsive service provision.

“The change is due to a reduction in revenue that supports this type of non-commercial service.

“We have communicated all the changes to the local ward councillors and will notify all our customers in advance of the changes.”