New Train Services in South West

Strictly under embargo until 12:30pm, 30 July 2015

The Peninsula Rail Task Force welcomes the announcements made by First Great Western and the Department For Transport of the addition of new trains for services in the South West.

Twenty-nine high speed Hitachi AT300 Trains will replace part of the current fleet running between the South West peninsula and London.

The new trains will lead to reductions in journey time by up to 14 minutes between Penzance and London, moving the region closer to its goal of a two and quarter hour journey between Plymouth and London and three and a half hours to Truro. The improvements will also mean increased passenger capacity and a better overall passenger experience.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Chair of the Peninsula Rail Task Force said: “We are delighted that the new trains will lead to a faster journey time and better connectivity throughout the South West and beyond, as this is a key part of our plans for the South West rail network and is long overdue. It is however important that we keep applying pressure in order to further improve our transport infrastructure. Better connectivity means a better economy and we want to fulfil our potential.”

The trains will be electric/diesel-electric hybrids and are predicted to start running in May 2018.

This announcements are part of a long-term push to develop the rail system in the South West.

ENDS

For more information please contact Liz Waugh at Coast Communications, tel: 07966 388921, email: liz@coastmarcoms.co.uk

The Peninsula Rail Task Force is a group comprising of Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, Somerset County Council, Torbay Council, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

The group is campaigning for a faster, more reliable and higher capacity rail infrastructure in the South West.

http://www.peninsularailtaskforce.co.uk