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Melksham trial train service is to be made permanent

Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2016-10-02 12:28:42 - Graham Ellis

From December 2013 through to December 2016, an extra 6 trains each way per day have supplemented the underlying service of two trains a day - and these extra trains have carried so many passengers that they are to continue after December as part of the base franchise. Journey times from Melksham are 10 minutes to Chippenham or Trowbridge, 17 minutes to Westbury, and Swindon can be reached in under half an hour. Day return fares to Swindon ate £6.90 off peak or £9.50 if you travel before 09:30 on a Monday to Friday.

The announcement of the success of the trial to the extent that the service continues (and forms the new base from which it can build further) as made by Paul Maynard, MP, the Rail Minister, in front of over 400 people at the national Association of Community Rail Partnership (ACoRP) awards in Southport on 29th September.

In his speech the Rail Minister said: "Across the country we have seen the positive benefits that an active Community Rail Partnership can deliver. Neglected, low usage lines and tired rural stations are being replaced with vibrant community centres, independent cafes, book clubs, safety programmes for children, fabulous station art, line guides, shelters, seating, tourist information and even a return to traditional heritage style livery and signs on some stations. I want to ensure that there is long term funding available for partnerships so they can plan effectively for the future which is why we are making sure that Community Rail is getting a record level of funding and the recognition it deserves in all future rail franchises."

The Rail Minister's announcement included the designation of the TransWilts as a Community Rail route, enshrining community input as key elements to the promotion and future of the line, and opening new avenues through which the Community Rail Partnership can develop.


Minister presents designation certificate to Paul Johnson and Peter Blackburn (President of TransWilts)


Paul Johnson, Chairman of TransWilts said:

"We are delighted to achieve our service designation which recognises the efforts and support of our local members and volunteers in establishing improved local services.

"Since our service was established in December 2013, passenger numbers have grown rapidly and we have reached our 5 year target in just 2 years.

"The designation is important because it formalises the status of TransWilts and gives us access to some additional support, including funding. An early priority for us will be to see how our designation can help us improve the coordination between local bus and rail services along our route."

Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said:

"I am delighted that the TransWilts route between Westbury and Swindon is being recognised in this way. Community rail provides some of our fastest growing and most reliable services, and customer growth in TransWilts services has been exceptional.

"Building on the 6 new TransWilts services launched in December 2013, we were very pleased to introduce a further 2 services in May working in partnership with Wiltshire Council and the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership.

"I know they will continue to go from strength to strength following the decision to designate the line and I offer my sincere congratulations to all involved."