news story

22nd February 2006

MP Seeks Urgent Views on Planned Changes to Yate Train Services

Northavon MP Steve Webb is seeking the comments of local residents on planned changes to train services to and from Yate, due to be implemented later this year.

Following the awarding of the "Greater Western" franchise to First Great Western, the company is now consulting on a new timetable which will be implemented in December 2006. The closing date for responses to the consultation is 8th March.

Under the plans there will be significant changes to services between Yate and Filton Abbey Wood, Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads. At present, the first train from Yate leaves at 0554 and gets in to Temple Meads at 0619, followed by another leaving Yate at 0659 and a third at 0802. The last train back to Yate from central Bristol currently departs at 2244.

Under the new timetable, there will be an hourly all-day service at Yate, served by the Taunton/Cheltenham/Worcester trains. The first train into Bristol will now leave Yate at 0641 with an hourly service through to the last train at 2141. This may be a problem for passengers who previously travelled in early on the 0554 service.

Trains back from Bristol Temple Mead to Yate will leave every hour between 0744 and 2044, with a last train back leaving at 2200, around three quarters of an hour earlier than the current last train. This may have implications for people from the Yate area who go into Bristol for an evening's entertainment.

Commenting on the changes, Steve Webb said:
 
"Any change to timetables can cause disruption when people have got used to travelling at particular times. Given that the proposed timetables are not yet final, it is vital that anyone who feels strongly about the changes registers their views as quickly as possible.

"I would encourage them either to write directly to: Timetable Consultation, First Great Western, Milford House, Swindon SN1 1HL, or to e-mail me at steve@stevewebb.org.uk and I will be happy to pass on their comments".