The main problem is that there is no competition so they can charge whatever they want,
even the trains are operated by the same group (Arriva)
And there, I feel, is the crux of the issue. A near monopoly situation.
Here in Sheffield, a similar journey on the bus would be @£2. But there
is competition. £3.20 for that CB to Llandudno short journey is extortionate. I thought the driver was joking!
In my opinion, a bus should always be a cheaper option than the train (between the same two places), because a train option is superior in virtually every way. More room. Less stops. More direct. No traffic holdups. Quicker. Faster. Pleasanter. More leg room. Plus the view from this train (Conwy castle) is lovely. As long as there is a train to get... in this case there isn't a later one back. I would rather get a train anyday, for these reasons. But I would expext it to cost more.... not less!
The train is more costly to implement, and therefore higher fares are charged, generally. Thats the norm. Beeching's axe fell all those years ago on this basis. Costs. Buses were seen as the cheaper alternative Buses were deregulated as well back in the 1980's. All things considered, I cannot see how it can be justified for the bus fare to be (much) more expensive than the train, between the same two places. Unless of course, price fixing is going on (he says, answering his own question....).
Out of interest. How much is a taxi between Colwyn Bay and Llandudno? Do I need my heart attack pills handy?