Congested train carriages and infrequent connections are set to be a thing of the past for South Gloucestershire residents, as half-hourly rail services are now up and running between Yate, Bristol, and Gloucester. As of Monday morning, May 22nd, the first train on the new timetable departed Yate Station, which local MP Luke Hall hailed as a monumental moment for the community.
Delivering more frequent trains between Bristol and Yate station is something which Luke Hall has campaigned for ever since he was first elected as the local MP.
Earlier this year he held a debate in Parliament, arguing the case that the current services are not frequent enough to be a viable option for many people, and that overcrowding on the Bristol-Yate services is a real problem. These trains are only two carriages long, and at peak times are often already full, with people living in Yate, Chipping Sodbury, and many of the surrounding towns restricted from accessing this vital service.
With half hourly services now underway, Luke thanked the community for their support and backing his Positive Plan to improve local Transport infrastructure.
Luke Hall said, “We fought together for these extra services for many years. It will make rail a more convenient travel option for many people locally, reduce journey times, take cars off the road and reduce emissions.”
“Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign, by signing my petition, helping make the case to government or supporting my debate in the house of commons. It has taken some time, but delivering half hourly train services between Yate and Bristol and Gloucester is a key part of our Positive Plan for South Gloucestershire. and I’m delighted that half hourly trains are now available”
Mark Harper, Secretary of State for Transport, who recently visited Yate Station to discuss the implementation of half hourly services, said: "It's fantastic news that half hourly services between Yate, Bristol and Gloucester are now up and running."
"Luke campaigned for this change for many years and both he and the team at the West of England Combined Authority have worked with the Government to make these extra services a reality."
Tom Pierpoint, GWR’s Business Development Portfolio Director, said: “It’s great news that we’re able to double services between Bristol, Yate and Gloucetser to every 30 minutes as part of the next stage of the MetroWest programme.
"These enhancements have been made possible with funding from the West of England Combined Authority. Communities across the West of England and beyond will benefit from more frequent journeys, helping take cars off the road and improving opportunities for jobs, business and leisure.”
Local residents, students, and commuters have welcomed increased frequency of the train services, which will enable regular connections to Bristol City Centre and Gloucester and help to Get South Gloucestershire Moving.
