As the Railways Bill advances through the House of Commons, several Somerset MPs are pressing the government to boost rail investment in the South West. This Bill, which aims to bring Britain’s railways back into public ownership under the banner of ‘Great British Railways,’ intends to simplify ticketing and encourage more travel by rail, supported by the recent fare freeze announced in the budget.
Local Liberal Democrat MPs have expressed support for the Bill but stress the urgent need for greater investment in rural rail services to ensure the region benefits fully from these changes. Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, highlighted the growing problem of “transport deserts” in her constituency, pointing to ongoing campaigns to restore rail links around Langport and Somerton.
A recent report from the Campaign for Better Transport found that 14 out of 23 Somerset towns lack adequate public transport, increasing reliance on private cars and exacerbating rural isolation and economic challenges. Dyke emphasized that many communities, including the largest towns of Glastonbury and Street, have no direct railway access and not even integrated bus services connecting them to nearby stations.
READ MORE: Somerset Council Deputy Leader Cleared of Conflict of Interest in Life Factory Project
READ MORE: Shoaib Bashir Omitted as England Recall Josh Tongue for Crucial Third Ashes Test
She urged the Railways Bill to do more than simply manage decline—it must actively restore connectivity and boost rail patronage. The Langport Transport Group’s business case for a new station, submitted to the Department for Transport in early 2022, represents one effort to reverse these trends. Despite the cancellation of a dedicated rail funding programme in mid-2024, constructive talks with Somerset Council are underway to incorporate this project into broader transport plans.
Dyke also pointed out the importance of expanding the rail network to keep pace with growing development in South Somerset. The Council’s commitment to advancing plans for new stations, including in Somerton and Langport, underscores a shared vision for integrated transport growth. She called on future rail strategy to include network expansion aligned with local development priorities.
Yeovil MP Adam Dance highlighted the urgent need for improved accessibility at rural stations. Citing incidents at Yeovil Junction, he called for enhanced support and infrastructure to ensure disabled passengers can travel safely and independently, advocating for a stronger ‘access for all’ programme.
Meanwhile, Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos welcomed the government’s recent fare freeze and station investment but remained cautious about some provisions in the Bill. He expressed concern that it could restrict open access routes, such as the proposed Go-op Rail line from Taunton to Wiltshire, potentially limiting future growth opportunities—including the reopening of heritage lines like Taunton to Minehead.
For his constituents, Amos stressed that affordable fares, reliability, and expanded services are the priorities, beyond just new station projects. Collectively, Somerset’s MPs are pushing for the Railways Bill to deliver meaningful improvements across the rural South West’s rail network, aiming to reconnect communities, support economic growth, and promote sustainable travel.