Transport for Wales Implements Penalty Fares on South Wales Mainline

To combat fare evasion, Transport for Wales introduces penalty fares on the South Wales Mainline from 4 March, aiming to reclaim £10m in lost revenue annually.

Penalty Fare Regime Launched on South Wales Mainline to Curb Fare Evasion

Starting Monday, 4 March, passengers on the South Wales Mainline may face penalty fares as part of Transport for Wales' (TfW) latest initiative to address fare evasion, which is estimated to cost the operator £10m in lost revenue annually. This measure extends from Severn Tunnel Junction in East Wales to Carmarthen in West Wales, covering a significant portion of the TfW service area.

During an initial three-week informational phase beginning on 4 March, travelers found without a valid ticket or permit will be informed about the upcoming penalty fare system by authorised Revenue Protection Officers. Following this period, from 25 March onwards, individuals caught without the proper fare will incur a penalty of £20 or double the full fare for their journey, whichever is greater.

Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at TfW, emphasized the importance of fare collection for the ongoing transformation of the Wales and Borders network, which includes an £800m investment in new trains and the development of the South Wales Metro. Course highlighted the fairness aspect of the initiative, noting that fare evasion not only affects revenue but is also unfair to passengers who pay the correct fares.

The penalty fares are introduced as part of TfW's broader efforts to enhance revenue protection and reduce the financial burden on the Welsh Government, thereby benefiting taxpayers. TfW, a not-for-profit organization, reinvests all revenue into service operations and network improvements.

This implementation marks the second penalty fare scheme within the TfW network, following a successful rollout between Shrewsbury and Birmingham. Plans are in place to extend the scheme across the network in the coming months.

Authorised Revenue Protection Officers, identifiable by uniform and identification badges, will enforce the penalty fares. They are also empowered to issue Unpaid Fare Notices (UFNs) for passengers unable to pay on the spot or for more serious offences such as ticket forgery.

For additional information on the penalty fare system, passengers are encouraged to visit the Transport for Wales website.