FARES for Wiltshire commuters are being slashed by up to 50 per cent as the Government and the UK rail industry launch the first Great British Rail Sale for this Spring.

They are encouraging rail travellers to take advantage of this unprecedented sale, which sees for the first time multiple operators come together to offer nationwide savings.

The Government and train operators say cutting the cost of rail travel will help ease some of the pressure on family finance at a time when inflation is rising around the world.

It will also encourage people to visit different places, connect with friends and loved ones, and get out and about around the country.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “For the first time ever, operators across the rail industry are coming together to help passengers facing rising costs of living by offering up to 50 per cent off more than a million tickets on journeys across Britain.

“There’s no better time to visit friends, family or just explore our great country, so book your tickets today.”

Jacqueline Starr, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We want everyone to be able to benefit from travelling by train because it’s more than just a journey, it’s a way to connect everyone to the people, places and things they love.

“As part of the Great British Rail Sale customers will enjoy over one million discounted tickets, so they can explore some of the fantastic locations that are accessible by rail”.

Tickets went on sale from Tuesday (April 19) with discounted tickets available on journeys from April 25 to May 27.

Mr Shapps said the Government is listening to people’s concerns about rising costs and is taking action worth more than £22 billion in 2022-23 alone – which includes support with the cost of energy bills and to help to ensure people keep more of their money.

Offering half-price rail tickets is one of the ways the Government is further supporting families with the cost of living.

Reforms to the rail sector through the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail mean that network-wide sales of tickets can occur more easily in the future.

Savings on offer for off-peak tickets in the Great British Rail Sale include:

  • Bath Spa to Penzance: was £39.30, now £19
  • Trowbridge to Cardiff Central: was £10.60, now £5
  • Melksham to London Paddington: was £19.20, now £16

Those close to Westbury station can get to Newbury Racecourse, Hungerford, Thatcham, Theale or Cardiff Central for just £5, or to London Waterloo for £7.50.

If you fancy a trip to the seaside, you can get a single ticket from Trowbridge to St Ives in Cornwall for just £19, or if you're looking to get to the airport for a more exotic trip, you can get to Gatwick for the same fare.

Meanwhile, Pewsey residents can pick up a single ticket for a day out in Weymouth for only £7.

You can check other deals from stations in Wiltshire here.