Ticketless Welshpool rail users will be fined from Monday

Welshpool rail users are being warned that from Monday they will be fined for jumping on the train without a valid pre-purchased ticket or a ‘promise to pay on board’ ticket.

Transport for Wales confirmed last night that their expanded Penalty Fare Zone will now include Welshpool and Newtown stations and extends across their trains that leave Shrewsbury for Birmingham, Crewe and south to Cardiff.

The operator said that while “we know that the vast majority of our customers pay their fares in full. It’s only a small minority who try to avoid paying their way. Penalty Fares are aimed at deterring unfair behaviour”.

“You must buy and activate your ticket before you board,” they warn.

It means that from Monday, you may have to pay a Penalty Fare (£20 or twice the full single fare applicable to your journey, whichever is greater), if you jump on board ticketless. They said that the penalty may increase to £100 in the future.

Those not able to use a ticket machine or app to purchase, or want to pay by cash on board, must have a ‘promise to pay’ ticket which can also be obtained online. Users are reminded that train tickets can be bought in person at the Welshpool Tourist Information Centre.

But Transport for Wales has been criticised by members of the Welshpool Rail Users group for the misleading map that accompanies their announcement, which is outdated and doesn’t include the Cambrian Line stations like Welshpool and Newtown.

One member said: “TFW dishing out wrong information on the website with the maps they’ve provided... Fantastic!”

The operator explained that posters will be installed at all affected stations ahead of the fines introduction.

PICTURE: The new and expanded Penalty Fare Zone that includes Welshpool, Newtown and Caersws.