WIREDGOV

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones yesterday (Monday 12th May) announced the extension of the free rail travel scheme to cover new areas of Wales.

Mr Jones said:

I have taken the decision to extend the concessionary fares rail pilot scheme to the Cambrian Coast railway in the winter, and all year on the Welsh section of the Wrexham – Bidston line. It will also continue on the Conwy Valley line for a further year, and on the Heart of Wales line, with free travel limited between October to April.

I have concluded that there have been a wide range of benefits from the pilot scheme, which has extended the availability of free travel on trains to bus pass holders. In addition, there have been benefits to the local economy and social accessibility as well as encouraging a reduction in the use of private cars.

Changes to the concessionary fares rail pilot scheme include:

• An extension to cover the Cambrian Coast railway in the winter.
• The Welsh section of the Wrexham – Bidston scheme will be available to Flintshire and Wrexham passholders from May 18th.
• Gwynedd passholders will be eligible for free travel between Machynlleth and Pwllhelli with some restrictions on busy school trains, between October to April.
• The Heart of Wales pilot will be extended for a further year, but only providing free travel between October to April.
• The Conwy Valley scheme will continue to operate all year.

The high level of demand on the Heart of Wales line during the summer months meant that on a small number of occasions, despite additional carriages, trains were reported as too full to board at points along the line. There was a trend of free long-distance tourism travel – in particular to Shrewsbury – whereas the original intention was to help local journeys for social purposes. Pass holders seeking to travel for local travel, and paying customers, were prevented from undertaking their journeys. The scheme has been adjusted as a result of this.

This second year remains a pilot scheme and the Welsh Assembly Government will continue to monitor it closely.

Related Information

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/transport/?lang=en

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/businessandeconomy/?lang=en

http://new.wales.gov.uk/about/strategy/1wales/?lang=en