More people in Bath are catching trains since the introduction of half-hourly services to and from Bristol Temple Meads.
Mayor Dan Norris launching 30-minute trains in May 2023 | Photo © WECA
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) says that since the launch of 30-minute train services between Bristol and Westbury – benefitting commuters in Keynsham, Oldfield Park, Bath Spa and Freshford (hourly) – Great Western Railway has confirmed a year-on-year increase in passengers in September of 14.4%.
There has also been a 15.6% jump in passengers between Bristol and Gloucester, benefitting those using Filton Abbey Wood, Bristol Parkway and Yate stations following the introduction of half-hour services on that line.
The increases follow a £7m+ investment from WECA last May. Dan Norris, West of England Mayor, said: “Growing passenger numbers is key to building a thriving, reliable local public transport network in the West of England.
“I’m pleased to see the uptake in these half-hourly services benefitting residents in Yate, Keynsham and other brilliant West of England communities. These are really very encouraging early signs.
“It’s all part of the Mayoral Combined Authority I lead’s multi-million-pound programme of rail improvements which is doing things like introducing more frequent journeys and building new stations.
“All this plus our recent victory in keeping all the West’s ticket booths open are key steps in getting more people out of their cars and onto trains – especially for those shorter everyday journeys – which in turn will help reduce congestion and emissions, and better connect our amazing region.”
The new and improved services have been delivered in partnership with GWR plus Network Rail. Dan Okey, GWR’s head of regional commercial development, said: “We are really pleased to have been able to deliver these extra services, funded by West of England Combined Authority as part of the wider MetroWest scheme, and to see the positive impact that they have made.
“The continued growth in demand shows just how important good rail connections are for the community and the economies they serve, and we look forward to being able to deliver further improvements in the future.”
Responding on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Bristol Rail Campaign (the Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways) said: “This is very good news. Keynsham doesn’t get a train every half hour though – two come 18 mins apart, then it’s 42 mins until the next one. We know timetabling is hard, but can this be sorted out GWR?”
