The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the Great Western Main Line will be electrified between London and Cardiff, with electrification including Bristol Parkway station in South Gloucestershire.
South Gloucestershire commuters using Bristol Parkway station will benefit from the £1 billion electrification scheme which will bring faster journey times between London and Bristol, lower carbon emissions, fuel and maintenance cost savings and a brand new fleet of Inter City Express trains.
In addition, the DfT announcement opens up the exciting possibility of fast and frequent electrified suburban services through South Gloucestershire and linking up with the wider West of England sub-region.
Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment said: “I am delighted that the Government has listened to the representations made by myself and my colleagues at the West of England Partnership. We have been pressing the Secretary of State to extend electrification to our area and his welcome announcement means that the massive benefits of rail electrification will be brought to South Gloucestershire residents in the near future.
“Rail travel has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years with local residents using Bristol Parkway, Filton Abbeywood, Yate, Patchway and Severn Beach stations in ever increasing numbers, so it is particularly exciting that a new age of fast, convenient and reliable rail services is just around the corner for South Gloucestershire residents.”
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
