Business concern over future of half-hourly Gloucester to Bristol rail service
Businesses and the city’s MP have called for clarity after news broke the half-hourly rail service between Gloucester and Bristol could be cut.
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Businesses and the city’s MP have called for clarity over the future of the half-hourly rail service between Gloucester and Bristol.
There is concern over the future of the service as funding for the route is set to end in 2026.
Gloucester Chamber of Commerce is among those organisation who are concerned about the impact a potential reduction in services could have.
They say if the service which calls at Yate were reduced it would be hugely detrimental.
They are calling for clarity and a confirmation that the service will continue past 2026.
The city’s MP Alex McIntyre has raised the issue with transport secretary Heidi Alexander and says it is an important this route is for commuters and visitors to Gloucester.
Discussions are ongoing between the Department for Transport and West of England Mayoral Combined Authority about the future of the services beyond May next year.
Great Western Railway, who operate the service, say the services are vital to ensure the new station under construction at Charfield can be served.
“We are concerned by the potential ending of the funding for the half-hourly trains between Gloucester and Bristol in 2026,” a spokesperson for Gloucester Chamber of Commerce said.
“These frequent connections between Gloucester and Bristol as well as the more rural connection that they make are vital for commuters, shoppers and visitors to Gloucester.
“It was reported that a year after the extra train services were implemented, 3.4 million journeys were made on this service which was a year-on-year increase in passengers of 27 per cent.
“A reduction of this service would be hugely detrimental to Gloucester, its businesses as well as people working and living in the city.
“This service should remain as a sustainable, time efficient and forward-thinking transport connection developing the region and supporting its economy.”
Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre has raised the issue with the transport secretary and explained how important the route is for the city.
He said: “I’m aware of the potential reduction to train services between Gloucester and Bristol, via Yate and have raised the issue with Heidi Alexander MP, the Secretary of State for Transport.
“She understands how important this route is for a wide range of people, including commuters and visitors to our city.”
GWR representatives welcome the interest in making sure the services are retained.
“We’re currently supporting the DfT and WoE MCA as they discuss the future of these WoE MCA funded services beyond May 2026, which are vital to ensure the new station at Charfield – currently under construction – can be served,” a GWR spokesperson said.
“We welcome the MPs interest in making sure these services are retained, and our customers both current and future continue to benefit from the improved rail service which is supporting the local economy and plans for growth.”
The Department for Transport has been approached for comment.
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com