Rail customers can now take advantage of cheaper ‘Pay As You Go’ fares thanks to the launch of a new contactless tap in, tap out payment service on key routes across South East Wales.
Making it faster, easier and cheaper to travel, Transport for Wales (TfW) has launched the pilot on journeys between Cardiff Central, Newport and Pontyclun.
South Wales is the first UK location outside of London where passengers on a rail network can use this turn up and go technology.
The ‘Pay As You Go’ scheme will expand across South Wales throughout 2024, covering a total of 95 stations, with the Ebbw Vale line being planned for the next phase.
It allows customers to travel without buying a paper or digital ticket – they can simply tap their debit/credit card or smart device (phone or watch) on the new Pay As You Go ticket barriers or yellow platform validators at the start and end of their journey.
Pay As You Go fares will typically be cheaper than current fares and will be capped at a daily and weekly level to offer the best value for customers.
For example, a single journey between Cardiff and Newport will cost just £2.50 and capped at £6.80 (daily) and £20.40 (weekly).
Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer for Transport for Wales, said: “Following a successful trial last year, we’re delighted to launch our new Pay As You Go payment option on the first routes in South East Wales.
“This is the first stage in the delivery of Pay As You Go with several more routes planned to join the system before the end of the year.
“Similar technology is already well-used in major cities like London and Manchester and is designed to make travel on public transport easier – and cheaper – for our customers.”
Pay As You Go provides customers with additional benefits with a dedicated dashboard which will allow people to add missing ‘taps’ as well as a host of other features – all accessed through the Transport for Wales app.
Welsh Government ministers have confirmed that on Sunday 3 March rail fares in Wales are scheduled to rise below inflation, by 4.9 per cent, in line with the decision taken by the UK Government.
Announcing the rail fares increase, Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, 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 per cent 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.
“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.”
Photo credit: Transport for Wales
