Supplementary memorandum submitted by Sewta Rail Group (CBPS 40A)

I recently submitted evidence for the Committee on behalf of the South East Wales Transport Alliance (Sewta). Since making the submission, I have been asked to draw the attention of the Committee to the lack of through fares from destinations in Wales to destinations on the European rail network.

Following the transfer of Eurostar services from London Waterloo to St Pancras such fares are now available from seven train operating companies which enable a passenger to purchase a ticket to travel from their home town to St Pancras then via Eurostar services to destinations in Europe. Several years ago, Wales & Borders train operating company used to offer a similar ticket from destinations in Wales to Paris, Brussels and Lille but of course, these were withdrawn even prior to the through service from West Wales to Waterloo.

It is also difficult to obtain information on available tickets available between South Wales and London Paddington / St Pancras and the First Great Western European Saver tickets which provide a facility to get to and from London at any time of day to connect with Eurostar services but without the premium fares charged otherwise for travel over peak periods are not shown on their web site and even National Rail Enquiries sometimes deny such a ticket exists.

31 March 2008