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Rail fares in Wales are set to rise by nearly 5% from March 3, the Welsh Government has announced.

Making the announcement, Welsh Government minister Lee Waters said the 4.9% “below inflation” increase was needed so new investments in the rail service could continue.

The deputy minister for climate change highlighted the new Ebbw Vale to Newport services, and said the fare increase was “in line with the wider rail industry”.

South Wales East MS Delyth Jewell, who is Plaid Cymru’s transport spokesperson, described the increase was “another blow” to passengers.

Ms Jewell said: “At a time when we should be encouraging more people to use public transport, I’m concerned that this hike could really harm passenger numbers.

“What’s even more confusing is that passengers are expected to pay up despite the Labour Government only recently pledging an extra £236million into Transport for Wales – a number, we were told, that was needed to plug gaps after inaccurate passenger projections.

“From poor records on customer satisfaction, punctuality, and cancellations – the public must get value for money.”

She continued: “While Labour may justify this as an investment in rail services in the south, those in the north are missing out yet again.”

Ms Jewell reiterated calls for Wales to get its share of consequential funding from England’s HS2 scheme.

“The truth of the matter is that we desperately need the £3.9bn denied to Wales from England’s HS2 to invest in public transport infrastructure across Wales and ensure parity between communities,” Ms Jewell said. “Both Labour and the Conservatives must commit to right this wrong and give Wales what its owed.”

Discussing investments into the rail network in Wales, Mr Waters said: “Transport for Wales are committed to making it easier for passengers to travel. They are currently trialling brand new Pay As You Go rail fares in South Wales which offer cheaper, tap in – tap out journeys using a phone or bank card.”

He added: “South Wales is the first UK location outside of London where rail passengers can use this turn up and go technology. Passengers travelling between Pontyclun, Cardiff and Newport are currently benefitting from this innovation, with a wider rollout initially planned for the South Wales Metro area starting with the Ebbw Vale line this spring.”