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Future train services in Wiltshire - please write in to support a better service

Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2012-03-24 19:22:07 - Graham Ellis

* Future of rail services in Wiltshire until 2026 (upcoming franchise) - currently under consultation. See http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2011-36/.

* Currently 2 trains a day each way, Swindon <-> Salisbury via Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh and Warminster. Poorly timed for most potential travellers, so underustilised and has to be subsidised.

* A service every hour in peak / every 2 hour off peak would work and should not cost any more (and probably less). Case at ttp://www.twcrp.org.uk/DfT_GWconsultation_TransWilts.pdf which has further links to draft timetables, technical case studies, surveys, service trials, etc.

Please write to the Department for Transport at GWconsultation@dft.gsi.gov.ukto express YOUR support (and the support of any group you represent or are a member of). If you can copy us at info@twcrp.org.uk that would be a great help as we enter the next phases, working with the train operators.

* Below is a template letter that may help you - please add your own specific information as to why the service will be useful

* The case is a joined up one, futureproofed and with widespread support. But every extra submission may be significant.

* Closing date, 31st March 2012

THANK YOU

P.S. Any questions - please email me, or info@twcrp.org.uk, or phone on 0845 459 0153
P.P.S. Please feel free to copy this message on to anyone else who may be interested.




Sample / Template submission - what you may want to say

If you're representing the views of an organisation, please say who it is

Please add your own section saying how it will benefit you!

Dear Sir,

I am writing to you in response to the current Great Western Franchise Consultation, question 21 about future service levels.

I support the request made by the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership in their document at http://www.twcrp.org.uk/DfT_GWconsultation_TransWilts.pdf in support of a specification in the franchise for a minimum of ten trains to run each way per day (Monday to Friday) 8 (Saturday) and 6 (Sunday) from Swindon to Salisbury calling at all intermediate stations.

This amended service level will have a huge positive impact on the people and economy of the area, is widely supported, doesn't require any extra infrastructure, and will pay for itself after the initial build-up period, for which a funding solution is provided.

Yours faithfully,