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Friday 28 Aug 2009

GET RAIL, SAY TRANSPORT LEADERS IN WALES

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Let someone else do the driving this bank holiday, say rail leaders from the Welsh Assembly Government, Network Rail and Arriva Train Wales. Holiday makers are urged to leave their cars at home and enjoy a rail experience without risking long delays on the road this bank holiday.

To avoid a potential congestion on the road, rail leaders are urging people to take the trains whenever possible, as more than 95% of the rail network in Wales is open for business as usual this bank holiday.

All the holiday routes in Wales, including the Heart of Wales Line, Cambrian coast, Conwy Valley Line and West Wales coast are also open, offering holiday makers a stress-free, convenient and enjoyable experience.

Holiday makers keeping a tight grip on their purse-strings can also make use of the Kids for a Quid offer available Monday to Friday including bank holiday monday. The offer allows full fare paying adults travelling on rail services in the Wales and Borders region to take two kids along for just £1 each.

With the trend of ‘staycation’ this summer combining with a long weekend, road traffic is expected to be crowded this weekend as holiday makers take to the road this bank holiday. According to latest industry’s analysis, roads to popular coastal and seaside areas across Britain will be busy with around a third of those drivers planning or considering a trip saying they will, or may visit, the sea. In addition, overall congestion is expected to rise by a third on average.

The deputy first minister and minister for the economy and transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said: "With all the holiday routes open this weekend, I would urge all holidaymakers to consider making their trip by train and experience more of this wonderful country on their journey. Not only can you enjoy a more relaxed journey but you can help reduce congestion and cut carbon emissions on our roads. We continue to invest in rail services and infrastructure to meet our One Wales goal of creating a system of sustainable transport fit for a 21st century Wales, and deliver on our plans for a drastic cut in carbon emissions.”

Chris Rayner, western route director, Network Rail said: “There is no better way to travel within Wales this bank holiday than taking the trains. Trains are safe and services have become more punctual and more reliable than ever. Holiday makers will be able to take advantage of the 3,500 more trains running across Britain over this bank holiday, compared to last year. Heavy investment is going into improving Britain’s railways and the biggest pieces of work we have to do are best completed during the quieter times for travel. At Network Rail, we will persist on finding ways to carry improvement work with least impact on passengers. Closing lines and not being able to offer a rail alternative but a bus, is only used as a last resort and we are also introducing new technology and equipment that will make such instances rarer still.”

Mike Bagshaw, commercial director Arriva Trains Wales said: “There are many good rail travel bargains to be had by taking advantage of special offers like Kids for a Quid. When the cost of petrol and parking are taken into account, rail travel can offer an affordable alternative which is more environmentally sustainable. “