PEOPLE using their free train passes to access the Heart of Wales train line are to be disappointed this summer.
The Welsh Assembly Government has told them there isn't enough space, and has withdrawn the service – a victim of its own popularity.
Councillor Gary Price, Llandrindod Wells, said the service was used by a lot of people: "Just under 5,000 peo
ple in Radnorshire had these passes, and they've now been told they can not use one of Wales' most popular train lines because it's too popular?
"Something needs to be done about this."
Cllr Price pointed to the example of Carmarthenshire, where the service is subsidised, as a potential way ahead, instead of it being withdrawn altogether as is the case in Radnorshire.
Mark Price, unit manager from Transport Wales, said: "The first year pilot scheme showed that in relation to the Heart of Wales line there was too much demand for free travel to be accommodated within the existing train fleet.
"There were several occasions across the summer when trains were seriously overcrowded to the extent that not everyone wishing to board could do so.
"The additional train fleet that was used last summer to strengthen services is no longer available.
"The Minister therefore made the decision that for the second year pilot, that scheme will be restricted to the winter months.
"Any decision to extend or continue this scheme will not be made until the outcome of the evaluation which is expected in summer 2009."
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