Written question WQ100677
- Asked by
- Cai Parry-JonesReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
Will the Cabinet Minister explain why the Programme for Government 2026-2030 does not include ensuring that Tap and Go services can be used on Great Western Railway services?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport (Mark Hooper)
The Programme for Government sets out the Welsh Government's priorities, but responsibility for specifying and managing Great Western Railway (GWR) services rests with the UK Government.
The Welsh Government remains committed to growing Pay As You Go (PAYG) as an affordable and convenient way to travel by rail across Wales, building on its successful rollout across South Wales and its recent expansion to stations in North Wales.
Although the current unavailability of PAYG on GWR services is frustrating for passengers, Transport for Wales has made encouraging progress in discussions with both GWR and the Department for Transport, and it is hoped this will enable GWR to participate in PAYG in the future.
The Welsh Government and Transport for Wales are also engaging with the UK Government on the establishment of Great British Railways to secure the best outcomes for Wales. These discussions include ticketing reform and the further development of PAYG.