Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed the first-of-its-kind ‘Great British Rail Sale’, which will save people up to 50 per cent on ticket prices on trips across the country, help with the cost of living, and encourage people back onto the rail network post-pandemic.
Through the Great British Rail sale, the Conservative Government are offering over a million rail tickets for passengers at 50 per cent off. In total, approximately 4,600 tickets have been made available by Avanti West Coast on the North Wales route – slightly more than for other regions, based on the current available capacity along the route.
This is the first nationwide rail sale in history. Tickets went on sale on Tuesday (19 April 2022) for journeys taking place between 25 April to 27 May – offering passengers significant savings on journeys in and across the UK.
The discount will be available on selected Advance tickets from participating train companies, or Off-Peak tickets as an alternative on some routes. Customers can find out more by visiting www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk. Welsh Government owned ‘Transport for Wales’, which runs local and regional services, has declined to take part.
To make sure more passengers can benefit, Railcard customers will also be able to save an extra third off a Great British Rail Sale ticket. This means that under 30-year-olds, over 60s and disabled passengers will travel for even less.
Passengers who need extra support to find or buy discounted ticket will be able to contact their preferred retailer direct and purchase their tickets over the phone or at their nearest, staffed, ticket office.
The Conservative Government is listening to people’s concerns about rising costs and is taking action worth more than £22 billion in 2022-23 alone – which includes support with the cost of energy bills and help to ensure people keep more of their money. Offering half-price rail tickets is one of the ways the government is further supporting families with the cost of living.
Welcoming the sale, James said:
“Pressures caused by global events are putting a strain on household finances across the country – so it is excellent news that the Government has launched this first-of-its-kind Great British Rail Sale, to help families save up to 50 per cent on their ticket prices for trips across the country.
“This is a valuable opportunity for people across the Vale of Clwyd and helps to give more people a chance to catch up with friends and family or take a well-deserved break.
“I continue to press both rail companies serving North Wales to restore services back up to pre-pandemic levels, and this initiative will help boost passenger numbers to ensure that takes place.”
Commenting, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“For the first time ever, operators across the rail industry are coming together to help passengers facing rising costs of living by offering up to 50 per cent off more than a million tickets on journeys across Britain.
“There’s no better time to visit friends, family or just explore our great country, so book your tickets today.”
