Local MS Hannah Blythyn has welcomed the Welsh Labour Government’s decision to freeze rail fares on Transport for Wales services for the next year describing it as “real support for passengers when it matters most”.

From 1 March, all rail fares on Transport for Wales (TfW) services will remain at their current price for 12 months, including advance tickets, returns and the tap-in, tap-out pay as you go system.

The announcement was made by First Minister Eluned Morgan as Wales marked St David’s Day, forming part of wider action to keep travel affordable while continuing investment in better rail services.

Hannah Blythyn MS said:

“I know from conversations on doorsteps and at community events such as my transport forum, just how important affordable transport is to people’s daily lives. Whether it’s getting to work, accessing education or visiting family and friends, rail travel needs to be reliable and affordable.

“At a time when households are still feeling real pressure on their finances, freezing fares provides certainty and puts money back into people’s pockets.

“Welsh Labour has taken a different approach investing in public transport, improving services and making sure communities across North Wales benefit from modern, reliable connections that open up opportunity.”

The fare freeze applies to both regulated and unregulated fares, alongside continued investment in new trains and improved reliability across the network.

TfW has already introduced simplified tap-in, tap-out pay as you go ticketing across South East Wales becoming the first operator outside London to introduce the system and helping reduce the cost of millions of journeys. The same scheme will begin rolling out across North Wales later this spring.

Hannah Blythyn MS added:

“I’ve consistently called for North Wales passengers to see the same benefits from investment as other parts of the network, so the introduction of pay as you go ticketing here is hugely welcome.

“Making travel simpler means passengers don’t have to worry about buying the right ticket in advance they can simply tap in and know they are getting the best value fare.

“Better connectivity is vital for supporting local businesses, strengthening tourism and ensuring young people can access opportunities without needing to rely on a car.”

The Welsh Labour Government has invested heavily in improving rail services, including new rolling stock capable of carrying significantly more passengers and major upgrades in the timetabling system with the new Bus Services Act that will link our bus network with our train network.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said the freeze complements wider action to deliver affordable travel across Wales.