Justin Meets GWR & Network Rail To Discuss Plans For Swindon Station Improvement

Local MP Justin Tomlinson has met with GWR and Network Rail, to discuss plans to improve Swindon Station. Topics of discussion included electrification, service improvements and general station upgrades.

Over Christmas 2016, the A3102 bridge in Royal Wootton Bassett was demolished and partially reconstructed. The new bridge is higher, creating the additional space needed for the overhead electrification wires that will power the new fleet of faster, quieter and greener trains with more seats on the Great Western route.

From January 2017, GWR increased services of their brand new Electrostar trains to half hourly in each direction between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington. By the middle of 2017, as electrification of the Great Western Main Line progresses, services will operate as far as Maidenhead and by the end of 2017, the first of the new Intercity Express fleet will start replacing existing long distance trains across the network between London and Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Newbury and Reading.

Once Network Rail’s electrification work is completed, these trains will increase capacity by up to 25%, shorten journey times into London by up to 20 minutes, and allow 54 more trains between London and Bristol every day.

Additionally, in early July Swindon station saw eight new disabled parking spaces in the short stay car park following concerns raised by Justin on behalf of local residents.

In March, Justin joined the Rail Minister, Paul Maynard, to view the recent improvements to the station and champion the Access for All project. This is a major programme improving accessibility at train stations nationwide by installing lifts, ramps and making the travelling experience more comfortable for disabled users and people with less mobility.

Work will continue to be done to improve Swindon’s railways and make it more efficient for customers.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "Swindon is renowned for it's railway heritage, and it is exciting to see that work has been done to really show this. Swindon deserves excellent railways and an accessible station, which provides the services that customers want. I look forward to seeing what the future brings for Swindon Station."