Half-hourly train services in the West set to continue permanently
Since these services were introduced, over 3 million additional train journeys have taken place
Half-hourly train services on several key rail lines in the West are now set to continue permanently following an agreement with the Department for Transport.
Since these services were introduced, over 3 million additional train journeys have taken place, marking a 28% increase in passenger numbers.
The routes include Bristol Temple Meads to Westbury, serving stations such as Keynsham, Bath Spa, and Trowbridge.
Another route is Bristol Temple Meads to Gloucester via Yate, including stops like Filton Abbey Wood and Bristol Parkway, with the new Charfield station to be served every hour upon its completion.
The Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach line includes Lawrence Hill, Clifton Down, and Avonmouth among its stops.
Claire Young, MP for Thornbury and Yate, campaigner for the change in parliament.
“I am thrilled with the news that train services in Yate will run on a half-hour frequency permanently," said Young.
"This is something I have campaigned hard for alongside local councillors and I raised the issue five times in Parliament. It also means that the new Charfield station will be able to run hourly trains. The half-hour service will support jobs in Yate and also help students to access colleges in the area.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England said:
“Half-hourly services between Westbury, Gloucester via Yate, Severn Beach, and Bristol Temple Meads are important for local commuters, giving people more options to travel on our growing regional rail network. Our new agreement to protect these regular services is welcome news for passengers across the West Country.”
“As we build five new train stations, and look to increase the frequency of services across the board, this is another vote of confidence in the West of England. As we continue working together in this new chapter, I am looking forward to sharing our exciting new Transport Vision next week to set out how we will get the West moving.”
“The continuation of half hourly rail services is very welcome news for South Gloucestershire," said Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council.
"Residents will have more choice and flexibility to move around the area, with improved access to work, education and essential services. This also reinforces our wider ambition to create a transport system that supports our communities, reduces congestion and makes sustainable travel a natural choice for everyday journeys.”
Future Rail Developments
As part of broader transport infrastructure investments, new railway stations like Charfield, Henbury, North Filton, Pill, and Portishead are being developed.
This is part of a £400 million regional commitment to expand and improve rail services in the West.