TfW fares to rise by up to 4.9% to ‘make investments’ in South Wales
Rail fares in Wales will rise by up to 4.9%, the Welsh Government has announced.
The increases will come into effect on 3 March 2024,
In a statement Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, confirmed the “below-inflation.”
He said the rise in ticket prices is part of the Welsh government’s strategy to manage rising operational costs while ensuring continued investment in rail infrastructure and services.
Mr Waters’ statement pointed to several investments in South Wales, he said: “To continue to be able to make investments, such as our new Ebbw Vale to Newport services, and to meet rising costs whilst minimising the impact on passengers, we are implementing a below inflation increase of 4.9% in rail fares from 3 March 2024.
“This is in line with the wider rail industry.
“Transport for Wales are committed to making it easier for passengers to travel. They are currently trialling brand new Pay As You Go rail fares in South Wales which offer cheaper, tap in – tap out journeys using a phone or bank card.”
He said: “South Wales is the first UK location outside of London where rail passengers can use this turn up and go technology.
“Passengers travelling between Pontyclun, Cardiff and Newport are currently benefitting from this innovation, with a wider rollout initially planned for the South Wales Metro area starting with the Ebbw Vale line this Spring.”
Transport for Wales has been provided with an additional £125m of funding in the 2024-25 Welsh Government draft budget compared to when it set fiscal plans in March last year.
The Welsh Government said that without the funding, “Transport for Wales would have been unable to maintain the continued operation of all of its rail services.”
“We are continuing to work with TfW to make savings and to minimise the gap between income and costs.”
“The significant rail investments made already across Wales would have been jeopardised without the additional funding provided in the revised spending plans.”
“The wider package of investment will also help to grow demand and increase revenue income significantly over the coming years.”
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