Welsh Bus Company Implements Mileage-Based Fare System
A Welsh bus company has recently announced a significant change in its fare structure, where passengers will now be charged based on the distance of their journey. The decision by TrawsCymru, a service funded by the Welsh government that connects rail and bus services across Wales, will see fares for journeys of up to two miles capped at £1.50. Furthermore, passengers traveling more than 24 miles will have their fares capped at £4. This new pricing system will come into effect from Sunday, March 2, impacting adult single tickets on select services.
The updated fare scheme aims to provide more transparency and fairness for passengers, ensuring that those taking shorter journeys are not overcharged while also offering reasonable rates for longer trips. For instance, a journey from Bangor to Aberystwyth will now cost £4 instead of the previous £5.50. Notably, these changes mark the first adjustments made by TrawsCymru in two years, affecting routes such as T1, T1A, T1X, T1C, T2, T3, T3C, T10, and T22.
In addition to the new mileage-based fares for single tickets, day tickets will be priced at £7, with weekly tickets available for £25 for adults. The detailed fare breakdown from March 2 onwards is as follows:
– Up to 1.9 miles: £1.50
– 2 – 2.9 miles: £1.60
– 3 – 5.9 miles: £1.90
– 6 – 8.9 miles: £2.20
– 9 – 11.9 miles: £2.50
– 12 – 14.9 miles: £2.80
– 15 – 17.9 miles: £3.10
– 18 – 20.9 miles: £3.40
– 21 – 23.9 miles: £3.70
– 24 miles and above: £4.00
Moreover, the Welsh government recently announced a pilot scheme that will offer under-21s in Wales £1 fares on buses, demonstrating ongoing efforts to promote accessible and affordable public transportation options. These initiatives reflect a commitment to enhancing the overall commuter experience and encouraging the use of sustainable transport methods.
The decision to introduce distance-based fares is expected to benefit passengers by aligning costs more closely with the actual length of their journeys. By implementing a fair and transparent pricing structure, TrawsCymru aims to provide greater clarity and equity for commuters using their services across Wales. This move comes amidst ongoing efforts to improve public transport systems and make them more inclusive and user-friendly for all passengers.
With the changes set to be implemented in the coming days, passengers can look forward to a more tailored and cost-effective travel experience when using TrawsCymru services. The shift towards mileage-based fares represents a step towards modernizing and optimizing the public transport system in Wales, ultimately aligning with broader sustainability and accessibility goals for the region.