Earlier this week Great Western Railway ran the 17:07 departure from Paddington for Bedwyn and Pewsey as an Intercity Express Train (IET) - the first IET on our route. These new bi-modal trains which run on electric ‘under the wires’ and then switch to diesel west of Newbury, will offer more seats, improved reliability and, crucially, the continuation of our direct services from Bedwyn to London. This milestone marks a great deal of campaigning by me over the last few years, and in particular by the Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group – who have worked so hard to represent the interests of local rail users and businesses.
GWR plans to run more services through Bedwyn and Pewsey as IETs over the next few months, and from early 2019, when the extended turnback siding at Great Bedwyn is complete, the new trains will also replace the current diesel multiple units. I am very aware of the continued disruption that rail users are experiencing, especially with the extended closure period commencing on Monday 9 July, but I am confident that the benefits which we will see from next year will be worth it.