Bristol commuters are asking what it will mean for fares and reliability
File photo of a GWR train waiting on a platform (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
Bristol Live readers have expressed passionate opinions following the announcement regarding Great Western Railway and its nationalisation scheduled for later this year. Numerous commenters raised questions about ticket prices and service reliability. Meanwhile, others have applauded the decision, describing it as a reversal of a policy they opposed. The discussion demonstrates just how deeply people feel about rail services, costs and their daily commutes.
The region’s principal rail operator, Great Western Railway (GWR), is set to be nationalised this year, the Government has confirmed, with the firm currently running the services losing its contract.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander revealed today that when the Government’s contract with First Group, which owns Great Western Railways, comes to an end on December 13, it will not be renewed, and the operating company will be brought into public ownership as part of Great British Railways.
This means the majority of mainline routes from Gloucester and Stroud through to Somerset, Bristol, Wales, and Wiltshire will become part of Great British Railways, alongside commuter services throughout the Bristol area.
The decision has received backing from the West of England metro mayor – representing Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset – who indicated it would support her proposals for additional stations across the region. Some welcomed the move. “It’s good to see a reversal of grasping Tory policy, something they can’t do anything to stop. Labour policy being enacted, and Tory tears. Power to the people!” wrote Registeredroyalty. Another reader, My Place, added: “Thank goodness for that. Hope other rail companies will also be nationalised asap.”
One of our readers, Cmt44 comments: “Once this government has its hands on anything the system will collapse. As a weekly GWR client, I cannot see how they will improve our services. Over the past 15 years, I have travelled from Taunton to London Paddington each Monday, returning Friday or Saturday, meeting other regular travellers each week.
“We very rarely have any disruption to the service unless caused by an outside influence, i.e., weather/ obstructions on the line. Being 7 years away from retirement age I like many will need to depend on the service yet dread to think how the services will run after December this year. The trains are good, clean and efficient while all the staff are attentive and helpful to all clients plus on board services are exceptional. I cannot see these standards operating as efficiently as they do after December, when it will be government-controlled.”
My Place states: “Thank goodness for that. Hope other rail companies will also be nationalised asap.”
Table For Two -asks: “How, as a passenger, will I benefit? I get the reorganisation etc, but will there be a reduction in fares to encourage greater train use?”
Over on our Facebook page, Alex P writes: “Trains could be the way forward if they just lowered the price a bit so it’s affordable!”
William Clarke says: “Good luck with that. South West Trains are worse now than when they were privatised.”
Mike S adds: “It’s actually cheaper now to get to London from Parkway (leaving just before 9am and arriving back around 8pm) than it was in 2023 (I have pictures of the tickets to prove it)…As a regular Bristol to London commuter (2-3 times a month), I’d say GWR is going OK at the moment!”
Garry H comments: “So the Government is in control of the NHS that everyone moans about. And the police that everyone moans about. And the roads, etc., that everyone moans about. And the military that everyone moans about. And you all think they’ll be able to run the trains properly. Bless your hearts.”
Andy Clark feels: “Unless it makes them more affordable, reliable and not carrying out maintenance during holiday periods, it’ll make no difference whatsoever.”
Per Ardua writes: “One of the few TOCs actually making money. As long as ASLEF & RMT don’t try to bankrupt it with outrageous pay demands. They just turned down 3.6% offer. Desperately trying to get as much as possible. It’ll lead to job losses.”
Dominic Van says: “I used to live in Bristol and travel to London regularly for around £80. When I was there a few weeks ago, it was over £130. I now live in Romania, the same distance trip would be around £15, and much of Europe is very similar. So, unless that changes as a result, then what is the point?”
Do you think GWR being nationalised is a good thing? Comment HERE or below to join in the debate.