The Welsh Government has strongly criticised Great Western Railway (GWR) after the rail operator expressed concerns over Transport for Wales' (TfW) plans to extend services between Bristol and west Wales. Wales' transport minister, Mark Hooper, described GWR's objections as 'extremely disappointing'.
Plans for Direct Services
Transport for Wales aims to introduce new services allowing passengers from Milford Haven or Pembrokeshire to travel directly to Bristol Temple Meads without needing to change trains at Cardiff, as is currently required. The proposed service would operate roughly every two hours, with nine services each way per day. Most services would run through from west Wales to Bristol, with only two starting from Cardiff in the morning.
The route between Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads would include stops at Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Filton Abbey Wood, and Stapleton Road. One train each way on weekdays and Saturdays would also call at Bristol Parkway. West of Cardiff, typical stops would include Carmarthen, Pembrey and Burry Port, Llanelli, Gowerton, Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot Parkway, and Bridgend, with many services originating from or extending to Fishguard Harbour or Milford Haven.
GWR's Concerns
Great Western Railway, which already operates Cardiff to Bristol trains, has formally objected to the plans. In a consultation document, GWR stated that the proposals would have a 'significant effect' on its revenue and posed a 'large risk' to UK Government funding. The operator also raised concerns about capacity constraints in the Severn Tunnel and potential impacts on other services in the Bristol area.
GWR argued that the application had not been sufficiently discussed with Network Rail or MetroWest funders, leaving the full extent of impacts unknown. It also questioned how the new services would relate to other planned enhancements, including the proposed Cardiff-Bristol stopping services and new stations recommended by the Burns review.
Furthermore, GWR claimed that no new markets would be served, as it already operates up to three trains per hour between Cardiff and Bristol. The operator suggested that a two-car cross-border service could lead to significant crowding issues that might be better managed through alternative provision.
Welsh Government Response
Mark Hooper, the newly appointed deputy minister for transport, said: 'As a newly-elected government we are committed to working with Transport for Wales on improving connectivity for people across Wales and the borders as part of a modern integrated transport network.'
He emphasised that a new service connecting west Wales with Bristol would increase rail capacity on a busy route and boost economic growth in communities along the line. Hooper added: 'Therefore it's extremely disappointing that Great Western Railway, which is a UK Government rail operator, would seek to disrupt these plans to improve things for passengers on both sides of the Severn.'
The minister warned that if GWR's objection succeeds, it would negatively impact tens of thousands of potential beneficiaries. He plans to write to the UK Transport Minister to urgently seek clarification and call for common sense on the issue.
Next Steps
The Rail and Road Office will make a final decision on the application. GWR has been approached for comment but has not yet responded. The Welsh Government remains committed to working collaboratively to ensure that the UK Government's recent commitment to delivering six new stations between Cardiff and Bristol leads to more services on the route.
