Community rail plan allows greater say on Wiltshire rail services

TransWilts

Rail Minister Claire Perry has announced a new community rail plan giving groups and passengers greater say on how rail services are run in Wiltshire.

TransWilts

The community rail plan focuses on a 32-mile route between Swindon and Westbury known as the TransWilts line. According to proposals, the initiative will allow the community to design train services according to local needs, increasing passenger numbers, improving connectivity to key destinations and boosting the local economy.

Community rail plan focuses on a 32-mile route between Swindon and Westbury

Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “I know how important this line is to local communities in Wiltshire, and it’s right that passengers have a bigger say in shaping its future.

“By designating the TransWilts line as a community rail service, we can breathe new life into this route, ensure its long term future, and improve connections between Swindon that will mean better journeys for customers and promote local economic growth.”

TransWilts Community Rail Partnership to play greater role in improving regional rail link

If the plans receive approval, train companies including Great Western Railway will continue to operate passenger services. However, it will be with the support of the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership, comprising local organisations, train operators, Wiltshire Council, rail users and other interest groups.

The partnership will have direct input in securing better services and station facilities for customers, including Chippenham and Melksham stations, which also fall under the proposals.

Infrastructure such as track and signalling would remain under the authority of Network Rail.

The 8 week consultation runs until Wednesday 6 April 2016.