The Severn Beach railway line has received a huge boost and trains will be running more frequently thanks to the Labour Council.  Trains are now running every 40 minutes an increase of over 20 trains on weekdays and Saturdays. In addition there will be a new service for Sundays.

 The City Council has also been successful in bringing in money from the Labour Government and First great Western to improve the stations and make them safer and easier to use.  Funding  of £600, 000 will see the introduction of CCTV, improved lighting, real time information displays, more seating and improved ticketing. 

Clifton Down station will also be improved to allow trains to ‘turn round’ such that the trains available can be programmed to match customer demand.

 Only 2 years ago, the  Lib Dems, when running the City Council and backed by the Tories,   voted to cut the subsidy for the line putting it’s future at risk. This was supported by the local Lib Dem MP Stephen Williams. Thanks to Labour, the line is back on track for a better service and so taking cars off our crowded streets.

 Paul Smith, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the new Bristol West seat spoke at the launch of the service, “This investment by the Labour Council and Government is to be welcomed.  They will provide not only more trains but also safer and more effective stations.  The next big step forward would be to see the line to Portishead opened up for passenger trains.”

 Keeping up to date

 If you want to keep up to date with developments visit the website of the independent campaign body; “Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways” at www.fosbr.org.uk