Written question WQ100358
- Asked by
- Art WrightReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Further to WQ99112, will the Welsh Government provide an update on what action it is taking to ensure Transport for Wales's tap and go service can be used on Great Western Railway trains in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport (Mark Hooper)
Welsh Government is committed to growing PAYG (Pay-As-You-Go – TfW’s ‘tap-on tap-off’ payment system) as an affordable and easy to use method of paying for train travel in North and South Wales. GWR (Great Western Railway) is controlled by the UK Government via the DfT and they have the final decision on GWR’s involvement within the PAYG scheme.
During introduction of PAYG in South Wales, TfW engaged with both CrossCountry and GWR. CrossCountry were able to participate in PAYG from the start, but discussions are still ongoing with GWR. Whilst the current unavailability of PAYG on GWR trains is frustrating for passengers, TfW has made encouraging progress with both GWR and DfT which it is hoped will enable GWR to accept PAYG in the near future.
Both Welsh Government and TfW are in discussion with UK government regarding the future establishment of Great British Rail to ensure the best outcomes for Wales. These discussions cover a wide range of subjects including ticketing and the further development of PAYG.