TRAIN times between Malvern and London are set to be improved.
Proposals put forward by First Great Western include plans for two extra services to Oxford and two more routes to London which would see journeys from the town to the capital take no longer than two hours and seven minutes.
It will make the service 15 per cent faster and take 20 minutes off the current journey times, if the work goes ahead.
The document outlining the plans has been put out to public consultation and is the blue print for First Great Western’s new franchise which is due for renewal.
The investment is on top of £13billion pledged by the Government to improve rail services to London as well as delivering High Speed 2 (HS2) – the project that boasts to revolutionise Britain’s rail network.
Malvern’s MP Harriett Baldwin said the current investment in railways was the largest since the Victorian era and welcomed the latest news.
“I am delighted that First Great Western share my aspiration to deliver a faster, more reliable and more frequent rail service from Worcestershire to London on the Cotswold Line,” she said, pointing out Prime Minister David Cameron had also ensured more money was spent on dual tracking the line to Cotswold.
Mrs Baldwin added: “With electrification of the London-Oxford line and new rolling stock, it’s clear we have a long term economic plan to improve Worcestershire’s economy and its public transport.
“Together with my colleagues Robin Walker and Sir Peter Luff, and Herefordshire colleagues, we have all lobbied to press for better rail services for our area.
“It is important, however, people they have their say and tell First Great Western that these are much needed improvements to the service.”
Click on https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/309926/gw-consultation-document.pdf to read the proposals in full. Consultation responses can be emailed to [email protected] before June 26.
