Save our Severn Beach service! (inc. BBC coverage)
Date: October 2009Campaign to get a 30 minute train service for all stations between Bristol Temple Meads and Avonmouth.
FOSBR campaigned for an extra train in 2006-7, and won a more frequent service funded by Bristol City Council, but this is now under threat.
Deadlines to help have now passed, but you can still read our concerns.
Updates
- Bristol Evening Post article.
- Continued support confirmed by Stephen Williams MP (Lib dem, Bristol West): "I will be making a submission to NR soon. I can confirm that will include a request for an upgrade to the Severn Beach line to allow extra services. This would include dualling of the single track section to Clifton Down and also signal improvements in the Temple Meads approaches."
- Doug Naysmith MP (Labour, Bristol North West), and Kerry McCarthy MP (Labour, Bristol East) also support the call for the double tracking of the line from Clifton Down to Montpelier Station to enable a 30 minute service for all stations between Bristol Temple Meads and Avonmouth
- BBC article on our campaign.
Network Rail proposes to reduce the service to fit in with other trains on the mainline.
That means we need Network Rail to double track the line from Clifton Down to Montpelier so that trains can pass each other more easily, improve reliability and go every 30 minutes. If we don't get this, we might go back to one train an hour or even every 90 minutes.
We fought hard for our more frequent service, and it has led to a 40% increase in passengers and resulted in a more reliable service. A 30 minute service would be better for passengers, the environment and Bristol. If we don't fight for it now, we may lose everything we've won.
Please help! Fill in our postcard telling Network Rail to double track the line so we can have a half hourly service and include some of the following:-
FOSBR also wants Network Rail to:
- Include the re-opening of the Portishead line as a definite, rather than possible scheme
- Support the reopening of the Henbury loop freight line (between Avonmouth and Bristol Parkway) to passengers
- Support the Greater Bristol Metro scheme, which is sponsored by the West of England councils
- Support investment in more track on Filton Bank (from Bristol Temple Meads to Parkway)
These schemes, supported by our local councils, will provide regular cross-city services, reduce road congestion, and deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits to the city and region.