Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has hailed a popular concessionary rail scheme as the Welsh Government announces it is to be expanded and extended until March 2015.
All free bus pass holders in Wales are now eligible to use their passes to travel free of charge on several rural lines in mid and North Wales.
Locally, the scheme operates on the Welsh section of the Wrexham to Bidston Line, running from Wrexham Central to Hawarden Bridge.
There are more than 720,000 concessionary pass holders in Wales, including Armed forces personnel and veterans.
The scheme, which has been funded by the Welsh Government since 2007, complements the concessionary bus fares scheme to provide access to public transport in areas where bus services are limited.
Whereas some of the services outlined under the Welsh Government proposals look set to operate part time, the scheme on the Wrexham – Bidston line will run all year round.
Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“Improving access to sustainable public transport throughout the country is vital and I am pleased the Welsh Government has not only committed to the concessionary rail scheme, but expanded it.”
“This popular programme directly benefits people in Wrexham and North East Wales, providing a valuable service for the elderly and disabled people in our community.”
