At a public meeting, plans for the MetroWest Bath & Wiltshire proposed “trains every ten minutes” to offer more frequent services that aim to reduce road congestion and accommodate the impact of new housing developments in Somerset and Wiltshire.
The proposed metro line is expected to connect towns near Bath, in Wiltshire, and across Somerset. It is anticipated to unlock housing for over 50,000 new homes within walking distance of existing and new stations, with an estimated cost of less than £50m for the entire area.
The meeting revealed plans to bring disused platforms at Chippenham and Westbury back into operation, upgrade the Melksham station with a new passing loop, and make junction improvements in other areas. Engineers also emphasized that they are drawing lessons from the South Wales Metro to apply to the proposed system in Wiltshire and Bath.
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Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, emphasized the importance of getting people to use the train by ensuring punctuality and creating an interconnected transport system. He stressed the need to identify the most suitable locations for housing based on sustainable transport options.
The proposal aligns with the Chancellor’s plans to develop more houses near commuter train stations to stimulate economic growth, with an emphasis on proactive redevelopment around stations through partnerships with local authorities.
Jenny Raggett, director of Transport for New Homes, advocated for an integrated transport system in the Bath/Western Wiltshire/Frome area, highlighting the current inadequacies of the public transport network. The meeting concluded that a metro with frequent modern trains connecting the entire area would be “revolutionary.”
The meeting also discussed the successful transformation of 19th-century rail lines in South Wales into the present-day South Wales Metro, which offers four trains per hour and has significantly improved line speed and station infrastructure.
Furthermore, plans for six new stations on MetroWest in Bristol, including the Brabazon station to serve new homes, an arena, and a university campus, are progressing. Additional initiatives involve the construction of Oakhampton Interchange Station with plans to run extra trains from Taunton to Westbury and Swindon via Melksham.
The proposal envisions the utilization of modern trains, including those operating in Wales, alongside plans to increase the number of trains and transition to battery power.
The meeting proposed the establishment of a MetroWest Bath & Wiltshire Stakeholder Action Committee comprising representatives from local and regional governments, Network Rail, rail operators, and developers to advance the project. An outline business case will be developed to secure funding, with an emphasis on cross-boundary cooperation to address the complexity of the economic geography in the area.
Overall, the aim is to make transportation more accessible and reduce reliance on cars, thereby bringing about significant positive change in the region.