Transport GWR bosses hit back in row over new trains from Wales

BOSSES at GWR have warned train services calling at the station next to Bristol’s new arena, and those on the soon-to-be reopened Portishead line, could be impacted if the Welsh Government wins permission to run new services from south Wales into Bristol.

- Tristan CORK

GWR sparked controversy when it objected to a plan from Transport for Wales to create a new service from west Wales direct through Cardiff and Newport to Bristol Temple Meads earlier this month.

Wales’ transport minister said it was ‘deeply disappointing’ that GWR had objected, but now GWR bosses have hit back, explaining the reasons for their objections.

In Bristol, the West of England metro mayor and regional transport bosses have ambitious plans to create new services and new stations, under a phased plan called MetroWest.

That has already seen new stations opened at Portway park and ride on the Severn Beach line, and at Ashley Down on the mainline north, and there is an even bigger expansion coming down the tracks with the reopening of the Portishead railway line, the opening of the Brabazon station serving the new town on Filton airfield and the future Aviva Arena, as well as more new stations planned around the city and the region.