The companies running railway services in the West of England have set out their long-term plan for the region’s railway, which will secure £9.45 billion (EUR 10.8 billion) of additional economic benefits for communities along the Great Western main line. The plan, called In Partnership for Britain’s Prosperity – The West of England, outlines the public and private sector companies’ commitment to improving services for customers, better connecting communities and providing employees with rewarding careers, as well as boosting the region’s economy.
The plan sets out how £2.4 billion (EUR 2.7 billion) invested in operating, maintaining and renewing the railway is enabling new and improved services. These will better connect people and businesses to key economic hubs in the region and beyond to London, Wales, the Midlands and the North. This is in addition to existing upgrades to electrify the Great Western main line and around £500 million (EUR 572.8 million) of private investment in a brand-new fleet of intercity trains to increase the frequency, quality and speed of journeys.
The Western route is already the second busiest freight route into London and by continuing work to support ‘jumbo’ aggregate trains that increase the amount of freight that can be moved in one go, the plan will also free up additional capacity for more trains to run.
To deliver the plan’s commitment to boost communities through localised decision making and investment, the partner companies will deliver £50 million (EUR 57.2 million) of station and car park investment to improve and enhance the gateways to the villages, towns and cities the railway serves. Customer and Communities Funds from Great Western Railway and CrossCountry will see £4.5 million (EUR 5.1 million) spent on projects that meet social needs, educate or engage local people, like bringing disused buildings back to life, developing history or heritage activities or encouraging bicycle use.
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