Community groups and passengers in Wiltshire will have more say over the design and operation of their local rail services, under a new rail plan announced by Rail Minister Paul Maynard. This will allow the community to work with Great Western Railway to design train services according to local needs on the 32-mile route between Swindon and Westbury, known as the TransWilts line. The aim is to increase passenger numbers, improve connectivity to key destinations and ultimately boost the local economy.
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.
Community Rail Partnerships are made up of local councils, train operators and community groups including volunteers, to decide how lines should be run.
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