NETWORK RAIL has released its plans for Great Western over the next 10 years, with some exciting proposals for Westbury.
Top of the list in the Great Western Rail Utilisation Strategy draft is a new platform for Westbury Railway Station, and an hourly service between Westbury and Chippenham or Swindon. There are also plans for additional carriages on Cardiff-Portsmouth trains, and a nine minute reduction in journey time between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads at peak times.
The news has been warmly received by the West Wiltshire Rail Users Group. Bob Lee, the secretary said, “We’re thrilled. These plans all seem to be very positive. I think an extra platform at Westbury would be superb. It seems Westbury is going to assume the importance it once had as a station. Rail travel is environmentally sound and desirable.”
However these plans are as yet only proposals being submitted for funding, and would not come into effect until at least 2014.
The proposals are in addition to schemes already submitted to the government for consideration, such as extra trains on the Cardiff-Portsmouth route.
Rail demand on the Great Western is set to grow by 31 percent by 2019.
Richard Gamble, Wiltshire Council portfolio holder for public transport said, “I’m pleased to see that the report supports the case for a number of improvements including the provision of an hourly train service between Westbury and Chippenham or Swindon. I recognise that a lot of work still needs to be done on the proposals but early improvements will be very welcome on this line.”
Chris Rayner, route director, Network Rail said, “The Great Western is seeing record-breaking rail performance and sustained investments that is radically changing passengers’ experience.
“It is essential that we have a robust strategy in place to build a bigger and better railway and the support we receive as part of the consultation process will play an important part in shaping the future of rail services on the Great Western.”
The proposals are open for public consultation until November 27th. Responses to the draft can be emailed to greatwesternrus@networkrail.co.uk or posted to: Great Western RUS Consultation Response, RUS Programme Manager, Network Rail, Floor 4, Kings Place, York Way, London N1 9AG.
