Train tickets to go up by 4.9%

Newtown residents will soon face a rise in train ticket prices as the Welsh Government announced a 4.9 percent increase in fares across the country.

Starting from March 3, commuters and travelers will have to bear the additional cost, with the government justifying the increase as necessary to fund improvements in the rail services within Wales.

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Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS, explained that the price hike is aimed at investing in infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of transportation services in Wales. He cited the new Ebbw Vale to Newport services as an example of the projects that require financial backing.

Mr Waters also highlighted the importance of maintaining the balance between rising costs and minimizing the impact on passengers, claiming that the 4.9 percent increase is in line with the wider rail industry.

However, Transport for Wales, the government agency responsible for the country's transport network, has also been working on initiatives to make traveling more convenient for passengers. Currently, they are testing Pay As You Go rail fares in South Wales, offering tap-in and tap-out journeys using a phone or bank card. This technology, which is now available for rail passengers between Pontyclun, Cardiff, and Newport, will gradually be expanded throughout the South Wales Metro area.