DEPUTY Welsh First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced the free rail pilot scheme will continue throughout the summer.

From Sunday, May 17, Cerdyn Cymru pass- holders will continue to benefit from free rail travel on the Welsh section of the Wrexham-Bidston Line and on the Conwy Valley Line between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno.

The first scheme is open to cardholders from the counties of Conwy and Gwynedd, the second those from Flintshire and Wrexham.

A recent evaluation of the scheme by the Wales Transport Research Centre concluded the second year of the pilot scheme had successfully achieved its objectives in 2008-09 and recommended a further continuation.

The evaluation of the scheme will continue with a view to making further recommendations prior to the winter 2009 timetable.

Mr Jones said: “I am delighted that cardholders eligible for free travel on the Conwy Valley and Borderlands railways will be able to continue receiving free travel throughout the summer months.

“The pilot scheme was very popular during the last year – with an average of 3,000 free journeys made per week.”