Kirsty welcomes resumption of Concessionary Fares on HOWL (Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats)

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Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats <info@brecon-radnor-libdems.org.uk>

Kirsty welcomes resumption of Concessionary Fares on HOWL

September 30, 2009 5:00 PM

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has welcomed with caution the Transport Minister's announcement that the concessionary fares scheme will recommence on the Heart of Wales Line from the 4th October.

The scheme will only be in place until March next year, rather than April as was the case this year.

Kirsty Williams said: "Whilst I am delighted for my many elderly and disabled constituents who have been waiting eagerly for the news that they can continue to use their concessionary passes on the HOWL, following the long summer prohibition, I am concerned to find that the scheme has been cut by one month.

"The Assembly's concessionary fare scheme has awarded free bus travel to the elderly and disabled across Wales, but many in Brecon and Radnorshire miss out because the bus services across Powys are so patchy. The Heart of Wales line offers a service that would help some of the more vulnerable in our society access local facilities, and it is only fair that the concessionary scheme is extended to include such journeys. The scheme faces uncertainty and reduction every year and I am disappointed that this year has seen a further cutback.

"I have called upon the Minister to ease the pressure upon the service by committing to the long term goal of a 5th train on the HOWL, the resignalling work is already underway but we desperately need a 5th train."

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