The Anonymous Widower

Regulator Approves New Go-op Train Service Between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare

The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from the Office of Rail and Road.

This is the sub-heading.

The rail regulator has given the go ahead for new train services between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare from the end of 2025. The regulator has also set conditions on its approval to ensure the new, co-operatively owned operator has sufficient finance and rolling stock in place in good time.

These paragraphs from the press release give more details.

Go-op plans to operate return weekday and weekend services between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare, Taunton and Westbury, Taunton and Swindon, and Frome and Westbury.

It will compete with Great Western Railway (GWR), a public service operator. Go-op plans to start in December 2025 at the earliest, and must do so no later than December 2026 in order to use the capacity ORR has granted.

As part of ORR’s decision, Go-op must provide evidence to ORR of the necessary finance to start operations, fund level crossing enhancements, and that the necessary rolling stock has been secured. ORR’s decision requires Go-op to do this without delay, and no later than November 2025.

I must admit I’m a little surprised at the Office of Rail and Road giving approval.

There is more on the Go-op web site.

November 20, 2024 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Go-Op, Office Of Rail And Road, Open Access Operators, Swindon Station, Taunton Station, Westbury Station, Weston-super-Mare Station