More people turn to the Train

The Minister with responsibility for Transport, Carl Sargeant, has welcomed figures that reveal the number of train journeys made across Wales continues to rise.

The latest National Statistics on Rail Transport, published this week, reveal that there were approximately 26 million rail passenger journeys which either started or ended in Wales in 2009-10, an increase of 3 per cent compared to the previous year.

The increase in train use across Wales compares favourably with the UK trend that saw train use decrease by 0.64% over the same period.

These figures come following the recent announcement that the Welsh Government is to continue funding the popular concessionary rail fares scheme on four rural routes across Wales for a two year period.

Mr Sargeant said,

"The Welsh Government are fully committed to developing and promoting the use of sustainable travel as was demonstrated with the extension of the concessionary rail fares scheme.

"These figures support our decision to extend such schemes and are an encouraging sign that we are moving in the right direction of decreasing private car use and increasing the use of public transport including rail."

Eligible Cerdyn Cymru pass-holders in Carmarthenshire and Powys are able to travel on the Heart of Wales line while Gwynedd pass-holders can use the Cambrian Coast line during the winter months.

Concessionary fares will also continue on the Borderlands and Conwy Valley lines for a further two years for eligible Cerdyn Cymru pass holders in Conwy, Flintshire and Wrexham - until 30 September 2013.