13/05/2008 02:12:00
Pensioners in Wales will now get to enjoy free travel on local trains for another year, as the Welsh Assembly Government announces an extension to their pilot scheme.
Over the past year, OAPs in certain areas of Wales have been able to enjoy free rail travel as the Welsh Assembly tests how capable its railways system is of handling the increased number of passengers.
Under the pioneering scheme, pensioners in Wales will enjoy free travel all year on the Cambrian Coast line between Machynlleth and Pwllheli, as well as the Welsh section of the Borderlands line, from Hawarden Bridge to Wrexham.
In addition, free rail travel has also been extended on the Conwy Valley line in North Wales, from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno. However, free travel on the Heart of Wales line will only be available from October to April, as a result of overcrowding on this line when the scheme was first introduced last year.
According to Ieuan Wyn Jones, Welsh transport minister, the popularity of the Heart of Wales line was caused by a trend towards free long-distance travel, in particular to Shrewsbury in Shropshire - contrary to the original intention of the scheme, which was to facilitate local journeys.
Mr Jones stated: "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, and it has encouraged a reduction in the use of private cars."
Last month, Wales saw its transport links to London increase considerably as a direct train service from Wrexham to London was re-established for the first time since 1967.