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More than one and a half million rail journeys have been paid for using Transport for Wales’ new ‘tap-in, tap-out’ payment system.

in November 2024, TfW became the first UK train operator outside of London and the south-east of England to introduce this paying system.

The pay as you go (PAYG) system is currently available across 95 stations as part of the South Wales Metro project.

There is automatic daily and weekly price capping, which means savings can be made when compared to purchasing a ticket. However, passengers must tap in and out using the same payment method, otherwise they might be charged twice.

Conductors now carry a card reader which checks if a passenger has tapped in at the start of their journey.

Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s transport secretary, said: “It’s fantastic news that so many people have been benefiting from quick, simple and cost-effective fares through TfW’s PAYG service.

“Those journeys were made possible as a result of our £800m investment, which makes it easier for people to use public transport and experience new trains.”

“With the introduction of PAYG across North Wales coming soon, I’m pleased even more people will be able to benefit from flexible and affordable travel across Wales.”

Alexia Course, chief commercial officer at TfW, said: “PAYG is our fastest growing rail product and we’re really excited to be expanding in to Network North Wales next year.

“At TfW our focus has always been to improve the customer experience, and ‘tap-on, tap-off’ ticketing and brand-new trains is having a positive impact on our customers and revenue.