New rail penalties from Monday

Newtown residents and visitors who rely on the rail service are advised to take note of recent changes announced by Transport for Wales regarding ticketless travel.

Starting this Monday, rail users boarding trains without a valid pre-purchased ticket or a 'promise to pay on board' ticket may face fines.

Transport for Wales has expanded its Penalty Fare Zone to include Welshpool and Newtown stations. The new regulations now cover train services departing from Shrewsbury to destinations including Birmingham, Crewe, and Cardiff.

In a statement, Transport for Wales said:

"From Monday 18 November 2024, the TfW Penalty Fare Zone is expanding across the north of our Network, if you travel without a valid ticket, you may have to pay a Penalty Fare (£20 or twice the full single fare applicable to your journey, whichever is greater)."

"We know that the vast majority of our customers pay their fares in full. It’s only a small minority who try to avoid paying their way. Penalty Fares are aimed at deterring unfair behaviour."

Effective immediately, individuals caught traveling without a ticket may be subject to a Penalty Fare of £20 or twice the full single fare for their journey, whichever amount is greater. Transport for Wales warns that the fine could escalate to £100 in the future.

For passengers unable to use ticket machines or apps for payment or prefer cash transactions on board, a 'promise to pay' ticket is available and can be obtained online.

The TfW Penalty Fare system is in line with The Railways (Penalty Fares) Regulations 2018 that are currently applicable in Wales.