Train passengers will face a "significant increase" in fares, the Welsh government has announced. Transport for Wales' regulated tickets, such as some commuter season tickets, some off-peak returns and some anytime tickets are set to rise 5.9% on March 5.
In recent years, rail fares have increased annually in line with the rate of inflation, which could have been an increase of 12.3%. Deputy Transport Minister Lee Waters said the Welsh government had "tried to keep the increase as low as possible" by capping the increase at 5.9% Plaid Cymru said the rise was one of the highest on record and would put more pressure on "struggling households".
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The announcement affects 45% of rail fares, known as regulated fares. This means that some fares may increase, some could stay the same and some may reduce in price in order to meet the average increase.
But what could this look like for commuters? Here's the price increase for some popular journeys that may be affected
Ebbw Vale to Newport
A single ticket from Ebbw Vale Town to Newport currently costs £5, and could change to £5.30.
Cardiff to Swansea
A single ticket from Cardiff to Swansea currently costs £11.70, and come March it may cost passengers £12.39.
Cardiff to Newport
A single ticket from Cardiff to Newport currently costs £5.70, and may cost passengers £6.04.
Carmarthen to Swansea
A single ticket from Carmarthen to Swansea currently costs £10.70, and may increase to £11.33.
Merthyr to Cardiff
A single ticket from Merthyr to Cardiff currently costs £5, and come March it may cost passengers £5.30.
Maesteg to Cardiff
A single ticket from Maesteg to Cardiff currently costs £5, and could cost passengers £5.30 in March.
Pontypridd to Cardiff
A single ticket from Pontypridd to Cardiff currently costs £5, and may increase to £5.30.
Aberystwyth to Machynlleth
A single ticket from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth currently costs £7.50, and may cost passengers £7.94.
In a statement, Mr Waters blamed the UK Government - which provides the bulk of the Welsh government's funding - as to why they couldn't cap it lower. He added: "We understand this is a significant increase for passengers in the current cost of living crisis but we have tried to keep the increase as low as possible."
The UK government spokesman said to the BBC that Wales had received its "highest-ever financial settlement and is well funded to deliver its devolved responsibilities".
Plaid Cymru spokeswoman for transport, Delyth Jewell, said: "The Scottish government is piloting a six-month scheme to suspend peak fares. It is time that the Welsh government tried something similar rather than following the English example."
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