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Transport for Wales (TfW) has introduced a pay-as-you-go system on the Wrexham-Bidston Borderlands Line, a 27-mile (44 km) route, promoting it as offering the “best value fare” through a recent social media campaign, including a TikTok advertisement. This scheme allows passengers to tap in and out using a contactless debit card or smartphone without purchasing tickets beforehand for adult single journeys. However, Flintshire council has raised concerns that the system charges all users the full adult fare, potentially leading to some passengers, such as children, families, and pensioners who are eligible for concessionary fares, paying more than necessary.
Councillor Alasdair Ibbotson of Penyffordd first highlighted this issue in July, noting that signage at stations fails to clearly inform passengers that concessionary travel options are not supported by the pay-as-you-go system. He criticized the claim that the scheme offers the best value fares, explaining that those entitled to discounted tickets, such as child fares or railcard holders, would be overcharged because the system currently only processes full adult fare payments. “The tap‑and‑go machines can only charge full‑fare adult tickets,” he stated, adding that this makes the advertised value claim “categorically untrue.”
At a council meeting, Ibbotson pointed out that small print on some station banners mentions the value comparisons are against equivalent TfW tickets charged at full adult rates, but the social media advertisements do not clarify that pay-as-you-go may not be the cheapest option for all passengers. In response, Flintshire council has urged travelers to verify whether alternative ticketing options could be more affordable before relying on the tap-and-go method. Glyn Banks, the council’s cabinet member for waste and transportation, described the system as a “convenient option” but emphasized the need for passenger awareness that advance ticket purchases, travel passes, or railcards might offer better savings. He noted, “We’ve asked TfW to make it clearer for passengers when travelling as tap and go calculates the standard adult single fare for your tapped journey.”
Council chief executive Neil Cockerton has written to TfW requesting improved signage at stations to better inform passengers about the possibility of cheaper ticket choices. TfW has acknowledged the concerns, stating a commitment to providing rail travel that is “simple, convenient, and affordable.” A spokesperson explained that while pay-as-you-go currently does not support railcard or concessionary discounts, information about alternative ticket options is available through various channels. They added that TfW is exploring the potential to link eligible railcards to pay-as-you-go accounts and hopes to introduce child fares in the future, though further development is required. The spokesperson clarified that free concessionary travel and family or group offers are not included in the pay-as-you-go scheme, aligning with other similar systems nationwide. TfW confirmed that updates and improvements to the scheme will be announced in due course
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