Rail and bus usage is already on the rise in Wales

The PlusBus scheme will operate in 25 Welsh towns and cities with the aim of making public transport easier.

The scheme allows passengers to buy one ticket at the start of their journey, which will cover them for their entire train and bus travel.

Transport minister Andrew Davies said: "People need to be able to travel from one part of Wales to another easily."

The scheme, which is operating across Wales has had the backing of the Welsh Assembly Government and is looking to improve integrated transport and encourage better use of public transport.

Claire Haigh, project director for Journey Solutions, which is co-ordinating the scheme, said it should make travelling far easier for passengers.

Use of PlusBus will be monitored and it may be rolled out across Wales

"The bus and train companies have got together to do this," she explained.

"It is very simple to use and gives unlimited bus use throughout the day."

She said the one of the main reasons why passengers were put off by using buses to continue their journey after a train trip was having to find the correct change for the tickets.

"This system makes things much easier because you just buy a ticket which will cover your whole journey," said Ms Haigh.

PLUSBUS AREAS Aberdare Aberystwyth Bangor Bridgend Caerphilly Cardiff Carmarthen Colwyn Bay Cwmbran Flint Haverfordwest Llandudno Llanelli Merthyr Neath Newport Ogwr Pontypool Port Talbot Prestatyn Rhyl Ruabon Swansea Tenby Wrexham

And the move has been welcomed by passengers groups.

Leo Markham from Bus Users UK described the scheme as "excellent".

"It is what people want," he said.

"I think it will encourage people to use public transport more."

He said that the system which is already in operation in other parts of the UK has made travelling easier for passengers.

The assembly minister for economic development and transport, Andrew Davies launched the scheme at Cardiff Central train station on Tuesday.

He said that the concept of buying one ticket for the entire journey would encourage people to use public transport and would make the journey far easier for passengers.

"Wales is already one of the few areas of the UK where we've seen an increase in bus usage and there has been a substantial increase in rail usage," he said.