Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin visited Bristol Temple Meads station recently. He toured the station, which will play a key role in the electrification of the Great Western mainline and viewed the location for planned additional platforms. The visit follows the Government’s summer announcement to invest £9.4 billion in electrification and £4 billion in new intercity trains.

Patrick McLoughlin said:

“We are seeing phenomenal passenger growth in Bristol, where station usage is up 46 percent over the last 10 years, and across the country. This is why this Government is committed to a programme of continued investment in the railways. “A huge amount of money is being spent on electrification. Bristol will be one of the first areas in the country where new electric trains – which are faster and more reliable – will be running.”

In the past year alone First Great Western, working with the Department for Transport, has increased the capacity of peak time services running through Bristol by over 10 percent. Train service frequency, passenger numbers and train punctuality are also now at record levels, borne out by the huge increase in demand in the area.

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Transport to this important part of our network. “The Government’s commitment to invest in the rail network and in new trains is an essential piece of the jigsaw in improving passenger journeys across our network.

“I’m convinced IEP will deliver another revolution in passenger travel with the prospect of quicker journeys from 2017.”