It has been confirmed by the Department for Transport that half-hourly train services between Severn Beach and Bristol have been protected into next year and indefinitely, following intervention from Luke Hall MP.
With half-hourly rail services from Severn Beach set to expire in December of this year, there was considerable concern about the loss of these services and the impact on the local community.
Operating particularly at key commuter times during the week, the half-hourly connections between Severn Beach to Bristol Temple Meads remain a lifeline for so many residents, including families, students and workers in the City Centre.
In a letter to Luke Hall, the Minster for Rail Huw Merriman MP has now put fears at ease, and said,
“I am committed to these services continuing beyond December 2024 when initial funding was due to expire. This demonstrates our continuing commitment to improve the railways in the Bristol area.”
Luke Hall commented, “It’s a huge relief to receive confirmation that our half hourly tarins from Severn Beach will be protected for the long-term. These are vital services for the community in Severn Beach and Pilning, and it is right that the Government has recognise the importance of the connections and continued these into the future.”
The announcement follows action taken earlier this year by the South Gloucestershire MP, who set up an urgent meeting with the Minister of State for Transport, to call for further funding to be released in order to preserve and sustain these key services.
The commitment to improving rail services in South Gloucestershire has been a key part of Luke Hall MP’s campaign to Get South Gloucestershire Moving, and is a priority in the MP’s Positive Plan for Transport.
