Ref.: Wessex Trains website
http://www.wessextrains.co.uk/news/news ... ubnavID=95
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Passengers to Benefit Following Change to Services
Wessex Trains is pleased to announce improvements for passengers following the transfer of a number of services.
As part of a process to simplify the operation of the South WestÆs rail franchises in preparation for the start of the Greater Western rail franchise next year, from 11 December 2005, services currently provided by Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) between South Wales, Bristol and the west of England will be transferred to Wessex Trains. Having fewer companies improves negotiations in the timetable development process, leading to a better planned overall service. Additionally, with only three different train operators in the region, passengers will be able to more easily identify the train they intend to travel on û a common source of passenger confusion.
Following negotiations with ATW, Network Rail and stakeholders, Wessex Trains are pleased to announce a number of significant improvements to services, including:
Weekdays
ò An hourly Cardiff - Taunton regular interval service
ò Regular hourly stops at more stations than before between Cardiff and Taunton
ò A new 1820 Bristol û Cardiff service
ò Improved hourly services in the afternoon and evening peak between Plymouth and Ivybridge
ò New connections to Cornwall and Newquay in particular from the 0905 Paddington û Plymouth service
ò A new 0610 from Penzance connecting into the 0825 Virgin Trains service from Plymouth creating a second early journey opportunity to Bristol and the North from Cornwall
Saturdays
ò A two-hour gap in services in Cornwall has been filled
ò Improved, regular interval half-hourly services between Bristol and Cardiff
ò More regular timed services between Cardiff and Taunton
Alan Wilson, Wessex TrainsÆ Managing Director, said: "I am delighted we have been able to deliver these enhancements for our passengers. When we were asked to take over these services we looked closely at how we could use the opportunity to create a better overall service for our passengers. I am pleased that I can now announce what those benefits are."
"These changes have been planned for some time and form part of a package to improve and simplify rail services by reducing the number of train companies in the region. The next element will be the creation of the new Greater Western franchise from April 2006, bringing the majority of the regionÆs remaining services under single ownership."
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Published: 15 November 2005
Wessex Trains - Change to Services
By doing this, Arriva Trains Wales have cut much needed local services from Bristol to Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance and also cut direct services from Bristol to the west of Cardiff. Once again, another kick in the teeth for Bristol and South West rail travellers. There was nothing wrong with Arriva Trains Wales services, which were rarely late and very well used.
Although I must admit that the hourly Wessex services from Cardiff-Taunton will have be extremely welcome - they would have been excellent ALONG SIDE the current ATW services. Reductions from Bristol>Exeter and SW England is never a good idea as Virgin services past Bristol TM have recently become jam packed.
Sometimes, I think it's things like this that make me relieved it's my last year of frequent rail travel
Although I must admit that the hourly Wessex services from Cardiff-Taunton will have be extremely welcome - they would have been excellent ALONG SIDE the current ATW services. Reductions from Bristol>Exeter and SW England is never a good idea as Virgin services past Bristol TM have recently become jam packed.
Sometimes, I think it's things like this that make me relieved it's my last year of frequent rail travel