Written Statement - Concessionary Fares Rail Scheme 2010/2011

I am pleased to inform you that the popular concessionary fares schemes on the Heart of Wales railway line and the Cambrian Coast railway line restarted on 3 October for the autumn and winter seasons.

The scheme on the Heart of Wales line is open to holders of concessionary bus passes issued by City and County of Swansea Council, Carmarthenshire County Council and Powys County Council.

The scheme on the Cambrian Coast line is open to holders of concessionary bus passes issued by Gwynedd County Council.

The concessionary fares schemes on the Conwy Valley railway line and on the Wrexham to Bidston railway line will continue until 30 September 2011.

These concessionary fare schemes are One Wales commitments and continue to be very popular. Over 97,000 journeys were made in 2009/10.

The scheme is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government with partnership funding contributions from Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Powys, Gwynedd, Conwy, Wrexham and Flintshire Authorities.