GWR: Biggest timetable shake-up in almost five years

The biggest shake-up to railway timetables since the introduction of Intercity Express Trains is coming this May, as Great Western Railway (GWR) responds to changes in passenger travel patterns. 

Following an extensive review to give those travelling the right services at the times they wish to travel, the new timetable which comes in from this Sunday will deliver almost a 5 per cent increase in train services every day across the GWR network.  

As part of these improvements, 65 extra trains a week will be provided in South Wales, and 44 additional train services every day will serve the wider Bristol area. 

The changes will help deliver on long-planned ambitions across the network and will see around 20 per cent of all trains retimed to better suit passenger needs, providing greater value for money for taxpayers and leaner and greener travel options on public transport. 

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “I am really excited to say that this new timetable provides the biggest shake-up in service levels since the introduction of Intercity Express trains – providing more trains where they are needed most and reflecting changes in travel patterns.  

“We will deliver more train services, serving even more stations, and providing greater value for money for taxpayers.”

This includes changes to London and Thames Valley services, bringing greater connectivity with Elizabeth Line destinations; a significant number of extra trains in South Wales better connecting Carmarthen to Swansea and beyond towards London; and further enhancements as part of the MetroWest scheme, doubling GWR services between Gloucester and Bristol, and adding an extra train an hour between Westbury and Bristol. 

The number of GWR services on an average weekday will increase from 1643 in May 2019 to 1720 in May 2023. 

Passengers will also benefit from carbon reductions from changes in the type of train used on some routes. 

Detailed service changes are now available in online journey planners and through GWR’s Journey Check service https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/check-your-journey and those used to catching a specific train should check their journey in advance. 

Photo credit: Great Western Railway

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