Solent to Swindon. A Transwilts / Three Rivers community proposal for 2019 timetable

[MarkyT]

A community rail proposal to connect the TransWilts corridor with Test Valley and Solent area local trains. Better services would be possible from a smaller fleet, used more efficiently. The proposal introduces new direct journey opportunities from Swindon and northern Wiltshire to Southampton and its Airport.

Proposal

• Extend alternate Southampton area to Salisbury services to Swindon
• Extend current Swindon to Westbury train to Southampton area filling gap left by above
• Use 2nd train needed for Swindon to Westbury 2019 Service as franchise specified to provide additonal peak and shoulder services Swindon to Salisbury
• Withdraw current local GWR trains south of Westbury (passengers covered by above)

http://www.twcrp.org.uk/Solent_to_Swindon_2019.pdf

 

[The Planner]

Sounds like Go Op and they have done well....

 

[Kite159]

Makes sense in a way to extend all the "Romsey 6s" to Swindon, gives Salisbury - Westbury 2tph.

However unless more rolling stock is found won't get off the ground.

 

[swt_passenger]

Makes sense in a way to extend all the "Romsey 6s" to Swindon, gives Salisbury - Westbury 2tph.

However unless more rolling stock is found won't get off the ground.

The linked reports go into some length to explain that the initial plan doesn't require more rolling stock, if the existing GWR and SWR contributions to services in the area are considered collectively. One of the suggestions seems to be that SWR could run the service if they got the daily hire unit back...

There are a few GWR short workings to Southampton in addition to their Portsmouth service, and they would be removed under the proposals. They and the Brightons together would provide one DMU per day at least. Note that the GWR Brighton is proposed for removal in the new GWR franchise consultation. Something DfT have proposed in the last few consultations.