Plans to restart direct rail route from Swindon

THE return of direct rail services between Swindon and Birmingham is in the pipeline after a more than 20-year absence.

- RICHARD BACHE

The potential reintroduction of services have been welcomed by political leaders in the Wiltshire town, who say it could be of huge economic benefit.

It will be at least five years though before passengers will be able to hop on these trains.

A major scheme in the West Midlands to free up rail capacity at Birmingham’s main stations needs to be completed before the hourly services from Swindon could run.

Work has begun on the £1.75 billion Midlands Rail Hub project which will see a number of measures undertaken to increase capacity at Birmingham stations such as Moor Street and Snow Hill, thus reducing overcrowding at New Street.