A NEW type of travel card has been launched.
Transport minister Carl Sargeant launched a trial of the new GoCymru smart travel card at Yale College, Wrexham.
The new card is similar to London’s Oyster Card, which means passengers can use buses without the need for carrying the right money.
GoCymru allows passengers to add funds to their card prior to travel and they can then travel on all participating buses using the card.
Yale principal Jasbir Dhesi welcomed the minister to Yale’s Memorial Art Gallery along with Wrexham councillor Bob Dutton and Gwynedd councillor Gareth Roberts.
He then walked to Wrexham bus station for a demonstration of the GoCymru card, followed by refreshments made and served by Yale hospitality and catering students.
Trials of the card, involving 300 participants, will be held in Wrexham and Bangor with full roll out across Wales in April.
Mr Sargeant also presented Yale College with the Taith Bronze Travel Plan Award for its commitment to improve travel choices for staff and students.
Initiatives include car sharing, promoting public transport, cycling, walking and support of alternative work practices.
Mr Sargeant said: “I’m delighted that Yale College has been awarded a Taith Bronze Travel Plan Award and is the first further education college in North Wales to receive this. The award recognises their commitment to sustainable issues.”