Several Somerset MPs are urging the government to boost rail investment in the south west as the Railways Bill progresses through the House of Commons to nationalise Britain’s railways.
Currently under consideration, the Bill will bring privately operated franchises back into public ownership and establish Great British Railways. It aims to simplify ticketing and encourage more rail use, bolstered by a recent fare freeze introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP.
While Somerset’s Liberal Democrat MPs support the Bill’s goals, they emphasize the need for greater investment in rural rail services to ensure the region fully benefits from these transformative changes.
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Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, spoke in Parliament on December 9, highlighting the urgent need to address “transport deserts” created by poor rail connectivity. She pointed to efforts to restore rail access to Langport and Somerton as key to reversing decades of decline.
A Campaign for Better Transport report found that 14 of 23 Somerset towns surveyed suffer from inadequate public transport, leading to increased car dependency, social isolation, and diminished rural productivity.
“My constituency has only two railway stations — Templecombe in the south and Castle Cary in the east,” Dyke said. “Many communities, including Glastonbury and Street, the largest settlements, lack any rail link or even direct bus connections to nearby stations.”
She stressed, “The Railways Bill must do more than manage decline; it must rebuild connectivity and boost passenger numbers.”
The Langport Transport Group submitted a proposal for a new station in February 2022 to the Department for Transport under the Restoring Your Railway fund. After the fund’s cancellation in July 2024, local discussions with Somerset Council continue to explore integrated transport improvements aligned with the council’s Local Transport Plan.
Dyke also noted ongoing development in South Somerset requires expanded rail capacity. “Great British Railways must be empowered to grow the network to serve future growth and ensure rural communities aren’t left behind.”
Meanwhile, Yeovil MP Adam Dance advocated for enhanced accessibility at rural stations, citing recent efforts to install a lift at Yeovil Junction. “Many rural stations remain inaccessible for disabled passengers,” he said, urging a stronger ‘access for all’ programme.
Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos praised the fare freeze and new investment at Wellington station but expressed reservations about parts of the Bill potentially restricting open access rail services. He highlighted community interest in expanding routes, including reopening the heritage line from Taunton to Minehead to support tourism and practical transport needs.
Amos concluded, “My constituents want affordable fares, reliable service, and future investment—not just new stations.”
As the Railways Bill advances, Somerset’s MPs remain committed to ensuring rural communities gain fair access to a modernised, inclusive rail network that supports economic growth and social connectivity across the south west.