This year marks 35 years since Yate Railway Station was reopened. In recognition of this milestone for our local transport network, the Minister of State for Rail, Huw Merriman MP recently joined Yate MP Luke Hall to celebrate the recent success of half hourly services and to hear more about the work taking place to invest in and upgrade the town’s local railway station.
With half-hourly rail services up and running for almost a year, Luke updated the Minister on the huge boost that the services have had on train passenger numbers, which has increased by 15.6% in the past year.
Offering regular connections to Bristol City Centre and Gloucester, feedback from local residents has been very positive, stating that the services have improved commuters travel to local employment, has helped students travelling to nearby colleges, and made access to local sport venues and shopping centres much easier and efficient.
Luke Hall said, “Increasing the frequency of services along the Bristol-Yate-Gloucester line has always been a key part of our campaign to Get Yate Moving. Overcrowding on carriages has been lessened, journeys are quicker and easier for residents, and our local economy has had a boost as a result”. “It was hard fought campaign, but we persevered and I am delighted the service are making such a difference.”
Huw Merriman MP, Minister of State for Rail, added, “It was great to catch up with Luke alongside GWR at Yate station, to discuss the half-hourly train service introduced in May 2023 which Luke successfully campaigned for.”
Dan Okey, GWR’s Head of Regional Commercial Development, said: "We are really pleased to have been able to deliver these extra services, funded by West of England Combined Authority as part of the wider MetroWest scheme, and to see the positive impact that they have made. The continued growth in demand shows just how important good rail connections are for the community and the economies they serve and we look forward to continuing our work with the Combined Authority and others to deliver the Metro West programme of enhancements”
Attention is now turning to other improvement projects at Yate Station, including further platform upgrades, more customer and commuter facilities, and improved streetlighting in the Station car park.
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.
