From the Bristol Evening Post
Passengers using Yate station could get half- hourly services into Bristol if planners and rail chiefs can agree on improvements to the station.South Gloucestershire council wants to develop the town's railway station to allow an increase in rail services into Bristol.
Part of the station's car park could be used to install a new platform to allow the changes that would see trains stop at Yate before going back the other way.
First Great Western said the bay platform would allow it to reinstate the hourly service between Weston-super- Mare and Yate, which was cut in December.
The additional route on top of the hourly service between Bath and Yate would create a half-hourly service to Bristol.
Adrian Booth, spokesman for First Great Western, said it was holding talks with Network Rail and the planning authority, South Gloucestershire Council, in an attempt to win consent for the scheme.
He said: "We are asking the local council to prepare a business case to support the idea.
"The facility could double the frequency of train services between Yate and Bristol to half-hourly. However, it is still early days and no definite decisions have been made yet."
In a bid to improve rail services and stations, Severnside Rail Partnership, which represents rail users, is working with First Great Western to implement changes and improvements.
Keith Walton, chairman of the group, said: "This is one of the schemes aimed at improving train services we have been pushing for.
"The proposal could bring Yate back into line with other stations around Bristol that provide half-hourly services to the city. Some rail users will also be pleased to see the Yate to Weston-super-Mare service again. And if work did go ahead I would hope improvements to the station could also be made."
Last month scores of commuters using Yate station joined in a national protest aimed at highlighting the poor service they claim is provided by First Great Western.
One of the organisers, David Youell, said: "There would be no more complaints from me if they introduced a half-hourly service.
"It could solve overcrowding and timetable problems."