FRS/Travel Privileges
Society Memebers Travel Privileges[edit]
As a part of membership of the FRS, the company provides certain Travel Privileges. The extent of these can, and have been, varied year by year.
From time to time a reminder has to be issued. The form of this has been basically the same since at least Newsletter No 8 in September 1956.
The information on this page is only indicative - official FRS or FR Co. literature should be considered the primary point of reference.
1956[edit]
Third class Privilege Travel for members of the Festiniog Railway Society on the F.R. will in future be free, but you are reminded that a ticket must be obtained before entering any train. Members may also, on production of their cunent membership cards, obtain free travel on the Talyllyn Railway, and we in turn shall be pleased to extend the same facilities to any members of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society on production of their current membership cards.
Two years later and a new magazine, and FRM No. 1 contained this
1958[edit]
Members are reminded that it is essential, although travel is free, to obtain a (member's) ticket before boarding any train. Free travel facilities are available to members of the Society on the Talyllyn Railway at Towyn. The same procedure as outlined above is necessary.
Currently, 2007, and the reminder is a bit more explicit
2007[edit]
The Festiniog Railway Company at present allows FR Society members the following privileges, on presentation of a valid Society membership card:
Life Members: Free first or third class travel.
Life members may also bring one guest at privilege rate on each occasion they travel.
Ordinary Members: Free third class travel. Privilege rate first class travel.
Ordinary members may also bring one guest at privilege rates on three occasions and should have a P-series number cancelled from their membership card on each occasion. Privilege fares are 1/3 of the normal fare. The 2007 cost of a privilege rate return between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog is £5.65 third class. £8.35 first class.
Members are asked to avoid busy trains whenever possible, and to obtain travel tickets before boarding trains at manned stations. Members' privileges are modified on special occasions such as Galas, Jazz and Santa trains. The publicity material or the booking office will indicate when such restrictions apply.
2009[edit]
The Ffestiniog Railway at present allows Society members the following travel privileges:
Life Members: Free - First or Third Class travel on the Ffestiniog Railway Ordinary Members: £8.00 First Class return. Unlimited free Third Class return tickets. One friend may accompany a member by paying the privilege rates (currently £6.00). Ordinary members are limited to three occasions and should have a P-series number cancelled from the membership card.
Members are asked to avoid busy trains whenever possible, and to obtain travel tickets before boarding trains at manned stations. Members’ privileges are modified on special occasions such as Galas and Santa trains.
Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon-Beddgelert): Ordinary and Life Members pay the privilege rate of £7.35 Third Class Return, unless they are also Members of the Welsh Highland Railway Society in which case they are subject to that Society’s privileges. Special provisions may apply from March 2009.
Gift Aid is claimable on all membership types allowing the Society to claim 28p on every £1 if you are a UK tax payer.
Please fill in this secure online form to join the FR Society: https://www.secure-website.com/ffestiniogvolunteer.org.uk/renewal
OTHER RAILWAYS:[edit]
Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon)[edit]
Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon-Beddgelert): Ordinary and Life Members pay the privilege rate of £7.35 Third Class Return, unless they are also Members of the Welsh Highland Railway Society in which case they are subject to that Society’s privileges. Special provisions may apply from March 2009.
Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog)[edit]
- There are currently no reciprocal facilities. (This is not stated but included here for completion)
Talyllyn Railway[edit]
- Reciprocal facilities exist for free third class travel.
2019[edit]
The Ffestiniog Railway at present allows Society members the following travel privileges:
Life Members[edit]
Free – First or Third Class travel on the Ffestiniog Railway.
Ordinary Members[edit]
Unlimited free Third Class return tickets. First Class travel at Privilege Rate Third Class fare plus First Class Excess.
Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon to Porthmadog)[edit]
Ordinary and Life FRS Members pay the privilege rate. If FRS members are also members of the Welsh Highland Railway Society or hold a sponsor’s pass, they may prefer to use the privileges available on those cards.
Talyllyn Railway[edit]
Reciprocal free travel facilities exist. One friend may accompany a member by paying the privilege rates. Ordinary members are limited to three occasions and should have a P-series number cancelled from the membership card.
Members are asked to avoid busy trains whenever possible, and to obtain travel tickets before boarding trains at manned stations. Members’ privileges may be modified on special occasions such as Galas and Santa trains.
2022[edit]
The Ffestiniog Railway at present allows Society members the following travel privileges:
Life Members[edit]
Free – First or Third Class travel on the Ffestiniog Railway.
Ordinary Members[edit]
Unlimited free Third Class return tickets.
Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon to Porthmadog)[edit]
Ordinary and Life FRS Members pay the privilege rate (50% discount). If FRS members are also members of the Welsh Highland Railway Society or hold a sponsor’s pass, they may prefer to use the privileges available on those cards.
Talyllyn Railway[edit]
Reciprocal privilege travel facilities exist. One friend may accompany a member by paying the privilege rates. Ordinary members are limited to three occasions and should have a P-series number cancelled from the membership card.
Members are asked to avoid busy trains whenever possible, and to obtain travel tickets before boarding trains at manned stations. Members’ privileges may be modified on special occasions such as Galas and Santa trains.
PLEASE NOTE:[edit]
FR Society Membership cards remain the property of the Society, and are issued for use by the named member ONLY. They must be signed before use to gain entrance to Society meetings or to obtain travel privileges, and a passport photo must be inserted. Railway staff have the right to request proof of identity before accepting the validity of a membership card. They have also been asked to confiscate membership cards in cases of abuse or attempted abuse.