Exciting £1 Travel Promotion on Transport for Wales Services
Limited-Time Opportunity
From August 19 to August 28, 2025, Transport for Wales is rolling out an exciting promotion: customers can travel on their Pay As You Go (PAYG) rail services for just £1 per single journey. This exclusive offer provides a fantastic chance for passengers to explore the beautiful regions of South East Wales at a fraction of the usual cost.
Coverage Across South East Wales
This £1 fare promotion applies to all 95 PAYG-enabled stations within the region, encompassing the Valleys lines and popular routes to key destinations such as Bridgend, Maesteg, the Vale of Glamorgan, Abergavenny, and Chepstow. Whether you’re commuting for work or planning a leisurely day trip, this is an incredible opportunity to take advantage of affordable travel options.
The Mechanics of PAYG
The PAYG fare system allows passengers to simply tap in and tap out when starting and ending their journeys. This new method has proven to be highly efficient, providing a seamless travel experience. However, it’s important to note that this promotional fare is only available for PAYG journeys and does not apply to other ticket types.
Substantial Savings for Passengers
The £1 promotion significantly reduces the fare costs for many common journeys, with potential savings of up to £3.20. For example:
- Abergavenny to Cardiff Central: £4.20 fare down to £1, saving you £3.20.
- Bridgend to Newport (South Wales): A fare of £3.90 reduced to £1, saving £2.90.
- Pontypridd to Cardiff Queen Street: Originally £3.30, now just £1, allowing a saving of £2.30.
- Newport (South Wales) to Cardiff Central: A drop from £2.70 to £1, saving you £1.70.
This promotion reinforces PAYG as the most economical way to travel on Transport for Wales services in the Metro area.
Growing Popularity of PAYG
Transport for Wales was the first train operator outside of London to introduce the PAYG system, which has quickly gained traction, becoming their fastest-selling ticketing product since its launch. Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, emphasized the program’s success: “Many customers across Southeast Wales are already benefiting from the fastest, easiest and cheapest fares through TfW’s Pay As You Go service.”
Encouragement to Try PAYG
Transport for Wales aims to attract both new and existing customers to experience the benefits of the PAYG system with this summer promotion. Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer, stated that the initiative is designed to enhance customer experience and encourage usage of the technology, reinforcing the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of PAYG travel.
A Glimpse into Future Expansion
While the current promotion is limited to South Wales, there’s exciting news on the horizon! Transport for Wales is actively exploring the rollout of the PAYG system across North Wales, ensuring more people can access affordable and convenient travel options as part of the Network North Wales project.
Important Notes for Passengers
- Availability: The £1 travel promotion is valid at all PAYG-enabled stations from August 19 to August 28, even during weekends and Bank Holidays.
- Discount Exclusions: This fare is applicable to single PAYG journeys only and cannot be combined with other discounts, railcards, or ticket types.
- Daily and Weekly Caps: Fare caps for daily and weekly travel will remain unchanged during this promotional period.
- Journey Examples: A detailed table outlines the significant savings customers can expect on popular routes during this promotion.
Rail Replacement Services
For passengers utilizing rail replacement bus services during the promotional period, Transport for Wales will honor the PAYG fares. Passengers traveling between Rhymney and Caerphilly should note that rail replacement buses will be in operation due to line closures until September 1. Teams will be available at stations to assist with tapping in and out to ensure the promotion is applied accurately.
Engineering Works Notification
Passengers should be aware of planned engineering works between Maesteg and Bridgend on August 23 and 24, which may affect services during this time. It is advised to tap in or out at the stations according to the schedule.
This exciting promotion not only promises serious savings but also marks a significant step toward modernizing rail travel in Wales, making it more accessible and user-friendly for everyone. Whether you’re a regular commuter or a first-time traveler, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the benefits of the PAYG system.
For more details and a map of the participating stations, visit Transport for Wales.